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From: Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Terminology, cont.
Message-ID: <13699@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 25 Aug 90 04:32:26 GMT
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[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 AB> What else can you do?  If you see or hear reporters use incorrect 
 AB> terminology (even to save space in a headline or time on the air), 
 AB> call them or send them this page so they can be aware of the 
 AB> appropriate words to use.  Tell them it matters to you and to people 
 AB> with disabilities.

        In 1970 I was selected as the Freshman Teacher of the
Year in my school district.  During her introduction, my
principal referred to my students as "MR. C's kids."  They were
a group of socially and emotionally and learning disabled
children.
        I smacked them on the back of the head when they
needed it.  I made them run laps around the 1/2 mile bus island
when they had too much energy.  I made them do homework and
called their parents at work when they didn't.
        I loved them.  I took them on special field trips.  I
treated them like they were worth something.  Today one of them
owns a Chevy car and truck dealership and one operates his own
commerical painting/wallpapering business.
        Some kids even went to the principal and asked to be
placed in my class.

        Point.  It's not what you say, but how you treat the
individuals involved.  You can call them "ding-bat" and still
convey love.
                                -=joe=-

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