Following Our Calling One Day at a Time

I came across this insightful article while on the IDSC for Life (international Down Syndrome Coalition for Life) Facebook page.  The information is from the National Down syndrome Congress website and can be viewed in detail here: http://ndsccenter.org/resources/new-and-expectant-parents/language-guidelines/

The statement helps the public to better understand the correct terminology to be used around people with disabilities, specifically Down syndrome.  Before I started this adoption process I too was clueless about how to talk about people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.  I had heard other people speak about them in so many different terms that I now know are disrespectful and just wrong.  I wanted to share this with those of you who may not be aware of the information because of a lack of education about it.  Let's start treating people with disabilities with the respect they deserve:

Public Awareness Guidelines

• The correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome. There is no apostrophe (Down). The “s” in syndrome is not capitalized (syndrome).
• An individual with Down syndrome is an individual first and foremost. The emphasis should be on the person, not the disability. A person with Down syndrome has many other qualities and attributes that can be used to describe them.
• Encourage people to use people-first language. “The person with Down syndrome”, not “the Down syndrome person.” A person with Down syndrome is not “a Downs”.
• Words can create barriers. Recognize that a child is “a child with Down syndrome,” or that an adult is “an adult with Down syndrome.” Children with Down syndrome grow into adults with Down syndrome; they do not remain eternal children. Adults enjoy activities and companionship with other adults.
• It is important to use the correct terminology. A person “has” Down syndrome, rather than “suffers from,” “is a victim of,” “is diseased with” or “afflicted by.”
• Each person has his/her own unique strengths, capabilities and talents. Try not to use the clichés that are so common when describing an individual with Down syndrome. To assume all people have the same characteristics or abilities is demeaning. Also, it reinforces the stereotype that “all people with Down syndrome are the same.”

The main idea is "People first language," do not define a person by a condition that they have.  They are people first.  I hope this helps!