A few more pennyworth on this one...
A recent discussion with staff at a local disability organisation
seemed to identify a distinct preference for 'disabled person', as a
general statement with the full political impact intended , and a
means of signifying group as well as individual identity. They all
prefered to avoid mention of specific impairments on principle, as it
is so often used irrelevantly and inappropriately. However when the
specific impairment was relevant, eg in making travel arrangements,
they preferred the construction 'person with impairment' rather than
'impairmented person'.
As a non-disabled person involved in awareness raising work I have
often used this as a groundrule, whilst suggesting where possible
people check with the individual they are talking about as to how
they prefer to be addressed - though I'd welcome any updates or
varying views on this.
Incidentally, I'm up for the paddle - what are we all doing here
anyway? I'm sure all our academic chums are on the beach...
Maya Middlemiss
Equal Opportunities Officer
University of Greenwich
Student Services (Island Site), Wellington St, Woolwich, London, SE18 6PF
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