Ian
As a disabled person I have always found it more useful to define myself
with reference to the Social Model of disability, my impairment details
are immaterial what matters is my interaction with the society in which
I live, it is the inaccessibility of that society which creates
disability not my impairment,. I think you will find this helpful when
considering where and how to attach labels, your second point about
accessibility is of course spot on with social model thinking, think in
terms of accessibility.... for all ! There will be a workshop at the
Skill conference which will explore just these issues, anyone looking
for sustained debate would do will to sign up for it!
Best wishes
Chris Baxter
>----------
>From: Ian Webb[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: 16 November 1998 16:37
>To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Determining Status
>
>Katy
>
>The human race is extremely diverse in terms of physical, sensory, and
>cognitive functionality's, as well as possession of skills and abilities,
>education, and cultural mores. Certain people are considered sufficiently
>far from the "norm" to be labelled as "disabled". But this does not mean
>that problems only lie with those who have been given a label. It may be
>that there is a label but there is no need for special provision. What about
>those for whom a label is something to be avoided no matter what the cost
>and those who may not understand that where there is a need for support, it
>is necessary to accept some form of label for a short time.
>
>In answer therefore to your enquiry would it not be better to refer to
>problems of accessibility and leave the word disability out altogether, that
>way you are more likely to get responses which truly flag up the problems
>that are going to need addressing during a students time at University or
>College.
>
>Ian
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Katy Mann <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: 16 November 1998 16:04
>Subject: Determining Status
>
>
>>I have just had an enquiry from a member of staff about questions to
>>ask/how to word requests for information in relation to disability on
>>application forms.
>>
>>I suggested identifying areas that might cause difficulty rather
>>than pipointing the label or term used to describe the disability
>>(which is not always useful) For example,
>>
>>If you have disability where are you likely to encounter problems:
>>
>>1) Accessing technology/built environment/using university resources?
>>
>>As this is just off the top of my head I wondered if anyone had a
>>statement they use to qualify such issues that they already use that
>>I could steal? Or have some suggestions on the best
>>terminology/phrasing?
>>
>>The member of staff needs this information quickly and therefore I
>>would appreciate any input.
>>
>>Thanking you in advance
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Katy Mann
>>Disability Officer
>>West End sites
>>CCPD
>>University of Westminster
>>Tel/Minicom: 0171 911 5000 x2161
>>Fax: 0171 911 5162
>
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