Three San Joaquin Special Education Leaders Insist On Respectful Language Toward People With Disabilities
By: Meena Tadimeti Contributor: specialneedsinmycity.org @SNinmycity 
Most of us at one time or another may have found ourselves or heard others referring to an individual with special needs as ‘that special needs child’ or ‘ that autistic student’ without any intent of malice, but possibly an oversight. But the authors of “Don’t Define Students By Their Disabilities,” remind us the importance of referring to people with disabilities as people first, not by their disability.
Co-authors, Kathleen Skeels, Matt Patterson and Theresa Hawk, all special education leaders in San Joaquin County (Central Valley region of California), explain the effects of using insensitive language on students with disabilities and how such language, in turn, negatively ‘shapes’ society’s views toward people with special needs.
For example, when referring to a child with special needs refrain from saying an autistic student, a CP daughter or a Downs kindergartner, instead use ‘a student with Autism’, ‘a daughter with Cerebral Palsy’ or ‘kindergartner with Downs Syndrome’. No doubt, such callous references rob people of their self-worth and certainly undermine the efforts people with disabilities make daily to been seen, heard and understood beyond their medical labels.
The three leaders state:
On behalf of 16,500 students in San Joaquin County, we would like to thank the San Joaquin County Board of Education for passing a county-wide resolution to use language that puts the people first. We call upon all of the members of our community to help support a unified, inclusive educational system. A basic need is to belong and to be recognized and seen. The contribution of students with disabilities enriches our communities as they live, learn, and share their lives. We pledge to choose our words wisely.
Thanks to each of the special education leaders for bringing attention to all of us about the importance of using respectful language when referring individuals with disabilities. Check out the full article, here.
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