So what, if any, collective term could be properly used to include a cluster of
characteristics which might leave an individual in need of assistance: a
cluster that includes difficulty in memorising or retrieval, difficulty in
concentration and tracking, difficulty in computation and manipulating concepts.
. . .
If I break my leg, my mobility will be impaired and I will need intervention
from somebody to enable me to get where I want to go. I don't want that person
to decide my destination for me, and I don't want them to assume I also need
help reading a book or using the phone. I want them to hava as accurate an idea
as possible exactly what restriction I'm dealing with - no more and no less.
This will have to be conveyed by means of language, which I want to be as
precise and value-free as possible.
If it is argued that language is never value free, or that terms which were once
regarded as technically accurate have come to be used as derogatory labels, then
we must agree. So language has to change to replace terms that become outdated
or offensive ('idiot' becomes 'mental defective' becomes feeble-minded' becomes
'mentally handicapped' becomes 'learning disabled' . . . . ).
Personally I find that the term 'cognitive impairment' is as reasonably accurate
and useful as one can get for the time being and for a specific pupose. When I
hear the clients of the Social Services Dept being referred to as 'the cogimps'
or some such, I'll know it's time for a new word. Much as I think the common
abbreviation "pwd's" is in line for replacement.
Cheers,
Barry
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