No No Words

Summary

Dr. Dan the Magic Man uses a magic trick with beads to illustrate the importance of avoiding offensive language when discussing disabilities. He advises against using derogatory terms like 'retard' and 'dumb' and emphasizes 'People First' language. Dr. Dan encourages educators to model appropriate vocabulary, stressing the significance of treating individuals with disabilities with respect and referring to them by their names, highlighting their humanity over their conditions.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Avoid using derogatory terms like 'retard' and 'dumb' when referring to individuals with disabilities.
• 🙅‍♂️ Do not label people as 'victims' or describe them as 'suffering from' or 'unfortunate' due to their disabilities.
• 🚫 Refrain from using the word 'normal' to describe non-disabled individuals, as it implies that those with disabilities are 'abnormal'.
• 🙅‍♀️ Do not use 'regular' to differentiate between types of education or teachers, as it can imply that special education is 'irregular'.
• 🚫 Steer clear of the term 'handicap' due to its negative historical connotations; use 'disability' instead.
• 👤 Practice 'People First' language, emphasizing the person over the disability, e.g., 'Mary has a disability' instead of 'Mary is disabled'.
• 🙅‍♂️ Discourage the use of words like 'crippled', 'deformed', 'birth defect', or 'defective' when referring to people with physical disabilities.
• 👥 Remember that language evolves, and professionals should be mindful of adopting more sensitive terms as they become standard.
• 🌟 Always refer to individuals with disabilities by their names, emphasizing their personhood over their disability.
• 💡 Be patient and kind when correcting others' language use, as the goal is to encourage better choices rather than to shame.

Q & A

What is the main message Dr. Dan the Magic Man is trying to convey in the script?

Dr. Dan the Magic Man is emphasizing the importance of using appropriate and respectful language when referring to individuals with disabilities, and avoiding offensive terms.

What is the significance of the magic trick with the beads in the script?

The magic trick with the beads symbolizes the concept of removing offensive language from our vocabulary, much like tying the beads onto the strings and then removing them.

What are some examples of no-no words that Dr. Dan advises against using?

Some examples of no-no words include 'retard', 'retarded', 'dumb', 'victim', 'suffering from', 'unfortunate', 'disease', 'handicap', 'cripple', 'deformed', 'birth defect', and 'defective'.

Why is the word 'normal' discouraged in the script?

The word 'normal' is discouraged because it implies that individuals with disabilities are 'abnormal'. Instead, terms like 'General Education students' or 'non-disabled peers' should be used.

What is the 'People First' language Dr. Dan mentions and why is it important?

People First language is a way of speaking where you put the person before their disability, such as saying 'Mary has a disability' instead of 'Mary is disabled'. It emphasizes the personhood and avoids defining individuals solely by their disability.

Why does Dr. Dan suggest avoiding the word 'regular' when referring to education or teachers?

The word 'regular' implies a dichotomy between 'regular' and 'irregular', which can be offensive and stigmatizing. It's better to use terms like 'general education' or 'special education' to avoid this implication.

What is the origin of the word 'handicap' and why should it be avoided?

The word 'handicap' originated from beggars at temples who held a cap in their hand while begging, which carries a negative connotation. It's recommended to use 'disability' instead.

What is the importance of using person-first language as discussed in the script?

Using person-first language helps to emphasize the personhood of individuals with disabilities, focusing on the individual rather than the disability. It avoids dehumanizing language and promotes respect.

How does Dr. Dan suggest we should refer to children with special needs?

Dr. Dan suggests referring to children with special needs by their names and treating them as individuals first, rather than focusing on their disabilities.

What is the moral of the cartoon that Dr. Dan shares at the end of the script?

The cartoon conveys the message that children with special needs are individuals with names and identities, and it's more important to call them by their names rather than focusing on their disability labels.

What is the role of educators according to Dr. Dan in terms of language use?

Educators should model appropriate language use, avoiding offensive terms, and promote respect and understanding by using person-first language and avoiding stigmatizing labels.