Friday, August 29, 2008

Tips...

I found this on another blog:

Sarah Palin has just joined John McCain as his running mate, and she took the stage in Dayton accompanied by her husband Todd and four of her five children — including youngest son Trig, who was born in April. (Oldest son Track is in the Army, and will deploy to Iraq next month.)

A few minutes before Palin appeared, I heard David Gergen on CNN referring to Trig Palin as “a Down syndrome child.”

Ouch.We can do better than that.

It’s worth remembering that people with Down syndrome are just that — people — and should be referred to as such. Let’s make an extra effort, when discussing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, to say that Trig “has Down syndrome,” or is a “child with Down syndrome.”

Using language that puts the person first sends a strong message that people should not be defined by their disabilities. Like all Americans, people with disabilities deserve our respect and consideration.

And while we’re on the subject, let me offer some guidance on disrespectful language to avoid in discussing the lives of people who have Down syndrome.

Please, people, let’s not say that they “suffer” from Down syndrome, or that they are “afflicted” by Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that doesn’t interfere with a person’s ability to lead a happy, satisfying and productive life, and to contribute to their family and community.

Please, don’t refer to Trig as a “Down’s child,” a “Down syndrome child,” or “a Downs.” This is outdated language that demeans in its assumption that a person’s disability is the most important thing about them. And I shouldn’t have to tell you that old-fashioned terms like “mongoloid” and “mongol” are considered insulting by the disability community.

Looking for more information? Here’s a release from the National Down Syndrome Congress and the National Down Syndrome Society.

3 comments:

Kelli Blinn said...

Lucy,
Its sad that people still use such offensive, outdated language, isn't it? I try hard not to be one of those people and I'm thankful for friends like you and your family who gently remind me of that.
Love to you and the rest of the Peterson clan. :)
--Kelli

Anonymous said...

Amen. This also goes for individuals that have autism, use wheelchairs or are visually impaired. The list goes on...and don't even get me started on the R word! I look forward to seeing you and your whole family soon!

Lots of love!
Mandy Fessehazion

Anonymous said...

Hi Lucy,
I just stumbled upon your blog and I couldn't agree more. I am a preschool teacher and I teach children who have autism. It really bothers me when people call them
"autistic kids". They're kids who have autism but they are kids first. Way to go for bringing this horrible language to people's atttention!