Dismay at the language surrounding children with Special educational needs
Am I just a pedant, or are there others whose spirits sink when they open
newly published books, from the likes of the Open University & others
(e.g. Mackinnon, D et al 1997 Education in Western Europe. Facts & figures
) & find these terms used physically & mentally disadvantaged (page
13) severity of the child, handicap or problem mild mental handicap,
serious mental handicap (page28).
A book such as this could be published in the UK using either the
terminology of the 1981 Education Act or the current terminology used to
define schools in this country. It could include a glossary of terms
highlighting the variations across European countries, & a statement from
1 or more organizations for disabled people, stating why they do not want
to be known as handicapped, & the term(s) that they do prefer.
The Open University & other publishing bodies have a duty to educate as
well as to maintain standards. This includes challenging sloppy &
inaccurate use of language, such as special needs oh for a world where
people did not refer to themselves as oh I work with special needs, as
though children in this country exist in 2 separate bodies & that such
categorization could inform so completely ..
If Im the only one who feels like this I promise I will desist from
highlighting such facts in student assignments.
Yours hopefully,
Keith Ripley [log in to unmask]
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