This comes in response to a new post today on the Facebook group regarding disability terminology. I thought it would be interesting to share my thoughts here as well..............

This is a little late, but I just read Aleja's new post on disability terminology. In addition to the feelings that I shared at that meeting a while ago, this article brings up some interesting stories for me. I've seen both cases, where people use "incorrect" terms, or they are just so scared about it they don't say anything at all. For example, when I was in elementary school, the news did a story on our school play, in which I had one of the lead roles. I thought it was interesting that they used the term "wheelchair-bound" while displaying a scene where I was clearly out of my chair. This term is one of the few that I have a problem with. I don't get offended by it, it just gives people (especially little kids) misconceptions ("well how do you sleep?"). I have also seen the other extreme where people are so terrified that they're going to offend you, that they don't say anything at all. Coincidentally, I was on the news again for another unrelated topic and after the reporter had finished asking me about the project I was doing, she said "so, what...what...." She has this awkward look on her face, and points a faint gesture toward me. "You're trying to ask me what's my disability?" nod, relieved that she didn't have to say anything wrong. So I ended up explaining it to her.

I admit that even I have to be more sensitive to the "correct" terminology. I don't say things that I think would insult other people to their face, or for any bad reason, but I will admit that I am comfortable using the terms "gimp", "cripple", "handicapped" etc. in everyday conversation. (I still call it handicapped parking).I personally take these as a term of endearment, and don't get easily offended by them.

Sometimes, I do realize I need to be more sensitive with how I refer to people. But like the lady in the article said, it's easier to just ask the person or try your best, rather than just guess and end up looking like a moron!