language

"It’s Only Words"...

The use of language has been a very important factor from the beginning of the Childcare Inclusion Programme. In introducing the programme, we also introduce the language we use.  Therefore the CIP team would like to define some of the terms we use within the programme, to give a clear understanding of the core philosophy, which underlies the Programme.

We advocate the use of language, which does not stigmatise or define a child by their diagnosis or impairment.  In our work, the most challenging concept for practitioners has been that rather than defining children with impairments as having 'special' or 'additional' needs, the term 'specific requirements' is applied to all children.  This leads us to refocus on every child as an individ8al and to accommodate all children equally, by meeeting their specific requirements, rather than regarding disabled children as placing a 'special' or 'additional' burden on services or resources.

The term ‘Disabled Children’

While some language which was used in the past to describe ‘disability’ is now clearly recognised as stigmatising and offensive to disabled people, there remains some debate about whether the term ‘disabled person’ or ‘person with a disability’ is more acceptable. The Childcare Inclusion Programme has chosen to use the term ‘disabled children’ in our literature, as we believe it more closely reflects the Social Model of Disability. In doing so, we are anxious not to offend or alienate any person who holds a different view.

We define Disabled Children’ as...

Children who experience discrimination on the grounds of their impairment(s)

This discrimination will often appear in people’s attitudes, in the built in environment and institutionalised systems, thus making it difficult, or sometimes impossible, for disabled children to join in.

“Impairment is what we have. Disability is what we experience.

‘Can Play, Will Play’: Playgrounds for disabled children
Alison John & Rob Wheway

EXAMPLES OF LANGUAGE

          TRADITIONAL                         PREFERABLE 

         'S/He is Autistic'     →                                   S/He has Autism
 
              'Down’s Child'       →                                   Child with Down’s Syndrome
 
             'Confined to wheelchair'   →                           Wheelchair User
 
            'Special/Additional Needs' →                         SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS