By s.e. smith on 6 July, 2010
Ableist Word Profile is an ongoing FWD/Forward series in which we explore ableism and the way it manifests in language usage. Here’s what this series is about: Examining word origins, the way in which ableism is unconsciously reinforced, the power that language has. Here’s what this series is not about: Telling people which words they [...]
Posted in 101, Ableist Word Profile, identity, language | Tagged ableism, disability euphemisms, special, special needs
By s.e. smith on 10 December, 2009
“Special needs” is one of those phrases that just kind of irks me. I see it most commonly used in reference to children or developmentally disabled adults; the implication in both cases is that the “special needs” individual can’t function without someone else’s help. That this person is totally dependent. And it carries, to my [...]
Posted in language | Tagged special needs
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