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Words Matter!
Words Matter!
People with disabilities are – first and foremost – people who have individual abilities, interests and needs.
They are moms, dads, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors, coworkers, students and teachers. About 54 million Americans -- one out of every five individuals -- have a disability. Most of the time, we won't even notice when an individual has a condition or disability that is affecting them.
People may take offense when others recognize their disability before other aspects of their personality. Person first language ensures the person is being recognized before their disability. By placing the person first, one can eliminate the feeling of being "labeled" or "outcasted."
For example, Brienne enjoys playing video games, watching Netflix and attends school at Dominican University of California. When speaking about Brienne, we want to avoid saying "Brienne is a dyslexic girl who attends Dominican." Instead, we want to acknowledge Brienne for her interests and strengths. We could say, "Brienne is a student at Dominican University and she is good at video games despite her challenges with dyslexia."
Learning Disorders
Learning Disorders
In general, learning disorders affect how a person understands, remembers, and responds to new information. Many people with learning disorders have a normal IQ overall but have lowered performance in one specific area.
Students with learning disorders may have problems:
- Listening or paying attention
- Speaking
- Reading or writing
- Doing math
Common Types of Learning Disabilities
Common Types of Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia: Difficulty processing language – problems reading, writing, spelling, and speaking. They tend to mix up letters or words.
Dyscalculia: Difficulty with math, doing math problems, understanding time, and using money.
Dysgraphia: Problems with writing, including handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
Other Disorders That May Affect Learning
Other Disorders That May Affect Learning
ADD/ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder): Difficulty concentrating, focusing, following directions, remembering information, organizing tasks, and completing work. They may also be chronically late, procrastinate, and have impulse control problems. For example, interrupting speakers or
Autism spectrum disorder: Difficulty reading social cues and recognizing other people’s feelings. Strange movements and mannerisms. Lack of eye contact. May have poor communication skills, obsessive, and repetitive routines, dislike physical contact, and be overly direct and honest.
(Bastable et al., 2011)
Not all students with a learning disorder will tell you they have one. Also, their challenges may not be due to their disability! If they do choose to disclose their diagnosis, do not assume the challenges they are facing.
Not all students with a learning disorder will tell you they have one. Also, their challenges may not be due to their disability! If they do choose to disclose their diagnosis, do not assume the challenges they are facing.
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