Person First Language

Here's the story: People Magazine published a story about Andrea Roberts, founder of Reece's Rainbow. I could not wait to buy my copy of the February 19 issue and see the article. She really is one of the "Heroes Among Us." I picked it up in Walmart and began reading right there in the aisle. When I read the title, I felt... well, I don't know... disappointment? sadness?

"A Mom Finds Homes for Down Syndrome Kids"

Don't get me wrong: The article is GREAT, and I am so glad that People chose to spotlight Andrea and the work she does on behalf of orphans with Down syndrome all across the world. But that title. And the authors refer to "Down syndrome kids" again later in the article.

I cried right there in Walmart. And then I came home and wrote a letter to the editor of People.

"As the mother of a young son who has Down syndrome, I was thrilled that you chose to feature Andrea Roberts, founder of Reece's Rainbow, as one of People Magazine's 'Heroes Among Us' in your February 19 issue. Your story will help her to give a voice to the many children across the world who have Down syndrome and are waiting for a family to love them. I was disheartened, however, that the authors chose to refer to these children as 'Down syndrome kids.' I feel certain that they would not have said 'cerebral palsy kids' or 'cancer kids.' Please help us to remind the world that Down syndrome is not WHO these children ARE, either. They are just children who happen to have Down syndrome. It may seem like semantics, but labeling any group of people does them a disservice and devalues their individualism. Help us show the world who these children REALLY are.

Thank you again for sharing Andrea's story.

Sincerely,

Mandy Kenimer
Director, Cenla Down Syndrome Association

Even my mother thought I was overreacting. After all, they are only words, and people don't MEAN anything by it. I KNOW that people don't mean anything by it. That's not really the point, is it? People who know me KNOW that I think political correctness has run amuck (or amok - I looked it up) in our country. That's not what this is. I can't even really explain to you why this upsets me so. It just does.

Am I deeply offended when people use the phrase "Down syndrome baby" or "Down syndrome kid?" No. Do I wish they would choose to say "child with Down syndrome" if they need to make that distinction? Yes. Do I confront people about it? No. Do I choose my words carefully and hope they catch on? Yes. In fact, I don't really have to CHOOSE my words. NOT referring to Asher as a "Down syndrome kid" pretty much comes naturally to me. He is just Asher. My child. Who has blonde hair. Blue eyes. Fair skin. Chubby legs. A heart-melting smile. And Down syndrome.

So, am I the only person who feels this way? I wondered... until I ran across this post:

~Ensemble Understands: "Sticks and Stones: Are words really that important?
February 21st, 2010 There has been so much advocacy for person first language and yet we still read about the “disabled children” instead of children who have a disability?

My friend Jane’s biggest pet peeve is the term “handicapped” and she cringes when people say “handicapped parking space”. The term, I believe is accessible parking space, is it not?

The media is a huge culprit for not using person first language, but I have also heard the faux pas from professionals and parents too. In their own defence, people will say that they mean no harm or disrespect, and they ask “are the words we use really that important?”

So I will ask you the same question. Are the words we use really that important?"~

PERSON FIRST LANGUAGE. It has a name! Will People Magazine publish my letter? Probably not. Will I keep writing letters like that when I feel my inner Mother Bear clawing to get out? Or crying to get out? You know, like in the middle of Walmart? You bet I will. And I will try not to say "handicapped parking space."