History and a Respectful Language
Posted by Gary O'Rielly on Dec 07, 2016
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Our own member, Lance Morehouse, talked about the history and respectful language as it relates to individuals with special needs. As a grandparent of a special needs child, I have learned to listen, talk and enjoy a conversation with individuals with special needs whereas before I wasn't sure how to approach them as a person and as an individual.
In Nazi Germany in the early 40's, over 200,000 people with disabilities were put to death. About the same time, the Rainier School, a State of Washington facility located in Buckley, was used to house "defective youth." People with disabilities were not allowed in public schools until 1972. Governor Dan Evans signed the bill into law changing that forever. Outlandish terms for people with disabilities were used such as sterilized or retarded.
A video on society's perception was shown by Lance about the use of inappropriate language commenting that it might be a little heavy for a morning presentation.
Lance talked about two programs that seek inclusion/integration/independence and interdependence. The first was from Rotary District 5030 in their Partners for Work program. The PFW was developed by the Rotary Club of Auburn in 2003 and has expanded throughout western Washington as a viable program that assists employers in gaining access to this talented, untapped workforce. The target population is people who are over 18 years of age who have developmental disabilities and want to work. Click here to find out more about the program.
The other program is People First Language and can be viewed here. Its a video about how to talk about someone with disabilities. Its educational and very enlightening. Reach out and touch someone with special needs.