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From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: CREATE A NEW WORD CONTEST
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Date: 18 Sep 90 02:32:19 GMT
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Hi Adrienne,

Well, when a word, in and of itself is not offensive and it does
"identify" and properly understood, such as "handicapped" or
"disabled", I think looking for another word to say the same thing
is reduntant.

I am not ashamed of being a disabled person, nor am I ashamed if I
am referred to as handicapped or disabled, these are not offensive
terms or labels, but I find a search for a word that is supposed to
"cutely" imply that I am disabled without saying that I am
disabled, is absolotely rediculous.

It seems to me, that unless one is so over driven to escape any
mention or indication or denial of their disability that they are
ashamed of these labels and who and what they are, that the words
"handicapped and disabled" are effective and unoffensive.

It is up to the individual to show that being disabled or
handicapped doesn't mean that he or she is ineffectual or non
productive, it can't be done by finding one more way of saying
handicapped or disabled.

Of course, we all do have our own little bugaboos I suppose, in
that I for example, would not stand for someone labeling me as an
"Invalid" because I am very very valid!!! Heheh.

Yep, I think we have enough words to describe us. Anyway, if I must
be disabled in this life, then by all hell, let the world see that
I am disabled and let them see just what a disabled person is
capable of!!!

Keepin' the faith!

.                     Vixen

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