An Inclusive Litany

11/23/92

Jeantz Martin, Specialist Assistant/Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee), criticizes the following terms when referring to people with disabilities: "Afflicted With—connotes pain and suffering. Most people with disabilities are not in pain, nor do they suffer. Confined to a Wheelchair—A wheelchair doesn't confine; it frees someone. Deaf and Dumb—People who are deaf have healthy vocal cords. If they do not speak, it is because they have never heard the pronunciation of words. Invalid—This word means literally 'not valid.' Everybody is valid."