Dear All,
I have found the recent discussion on the language surrounding children
with Special educational needs very helpful. I am in the process of writing
a short monograph on adults with learning disabilities and religion,
exploring, amongst other things, the meaning of genuinely inclusive
community and how such an ideal might be worked out within religious
institutions and beyond. One of the things I am looking at is how best to
communicate with those who have no words. From the perspective of many
religions this is an important question, bearing in mind our dependance on
words to communicate the essence of what we are trying to say. However, I
am struggling with terminology to describe people who have no linguistic
capacity. Terms such as 'profound' or 'severe' learning disability, whilst
making the point, seem to me to be so value laden and open to
misinterpretation that I am reluctant to use them. If anyone can share a
few thoughts about this I would be very grateful.
Best Wishes
John
Rev. Dr. John Swinton.
Department of Divinity with Religious Studies
King's College
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB
Tel (direct line): +44 (0)1224 273224 (+ voicemail after 7 rings)
Fax: +44 (0)1224 273750
Email: [log in to unmask]
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