Hi All,
I am glad that a question of language used by and about 'disabled people'
has been raised. Since joining the list, it has amazed me how many
different ways we have referred to our selves.
In the UK we use Social model terms like -
'Disabled People' -- It derives from a Social Model perspective, and put
very simply means -- 'yes, we are people [as opposed to being our
impairments or medical conditions], but we are disabled by the barriers
that Society puts in our way' = Disabled People.
Impairments = our medical conditions.
Disability = The outcome of oppression.
Obviously we [On this list] are from many different countries and I would
assume that the majority of the five hundred list members are disabled or
as some of you would say "people with disabilities". Certainly the group
consists of influential academics, activists and other interested parties.
So, wouldn't it be nice if we all agreed on a universal use of language
regarding disability, disabled people, people with impairments, and so on?
Forgive me if I am "teaching Granny to suck eggs" with an over
simplification of the issues, but I just thought I would share my views!
Rosie.
Rosaleen Moriarty-Simmonds, B.Sc.(Hon).
RMS - Freelance Journalist & Disability Issues Consultant
E-mail - [log in to unmask]
Web Site - http://www.rms-cons.demon.co.uk
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