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Re: A question on political correctness...

for

From: Mary Stores
Date: Jul 20, 2012 9:34AM


Hello,

I try and use people-first language, and have always thought that the
NFB and ACB are a Federation or Council, and "the blind" referred to
both people and issues related to blindness.

*shrugs* This is something to think about. I am also blind, so I hadn't
really put that much thought into the whole "the blind" issue before.

Jesse, you asked about a scale. Would 1 to offensive be 5. Would 3 be I
dont' really care? lol I'm definitely not offended.

Mary

Quoting John E Brandt < <EMAIL REMOVED> >:

> I have noticed this too - and for a number of "disability groups." I am not
> sure if it reflects a change in what people view as "politically correct" or
> a general change in culture. I know that I often choose my words carefully
> (or try to), but sometimes feel I have being over concerned.
>
> "The Blind" and "The Deaf" are the two groups where this change has been
> most noticeable. But I am now also hearing "The Dyslexic" and "The Autistic"
> used fairly frequently.
>
> I have my own theories about why this is happening, but it is interesting to
> watch these changes over time.
>
> ~j
>
> John E. Brandt
> www.jebswebs.com
> <EMAIL REMOVED>
> 207-622-7937
> Augusta, Maine, USA
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: <EMAIL REMOVED>
> [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Jesse Hausler
> Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 7:07 PM
> To: WebAIM Discussion List
> Subject: [WebAIM] A question on political correctness...
>
> I've been in the accessibility/disability field for probably 10 years now
> and I've always wondered about the term, "the blind".
>
> My 4 years in an occupational therapy setting always taught me to lead with
> "people" first, as in "people who are blind", person with a disability, etc.
> And I agree with and have always followed that practice.
>
> But then there are organizations such as the NFB, AFB, and others who have
> "the blind" in their names, charters, etc.
>
> The reason I ask is that I'm putting together a session proposal for South
> by Southwest. The premise is about how using tips and techniques from the
> accessibility field will lead to products that are more universal, future
> friendly, and of course accessible.
>
> Given that SXSW sessions are chosen by popular Internet vote, they recommend
> that titles are catchy, yet informative. A few ideas that came up include:
>
> Taking Notes from the Blind - Make it Universal, not Accessible!
> Stealing from the Blind - Make it Universal, not Accessible!
> Stealing from the Blind - Mainstreaming Accessibility for Everyone!
>
> And so on...
>
> So I ask, on a scale of 1 to Offensive. Where does this fall and why?
>
> Thanks for your feedback,
>
> Jesse
>