Since our language reflects our values, our language must change. The Civil Rights Act was passed long ago, in 1964. But it took years before the law really seemed to have an effect. Ditto the Women s Movement . . . Now it s our turn . . .
Labels evoke negative pictures in our heads.
Society will not change its language unless we insist on the change. We have the right to do so. Traditionally, our society has not expected much from a person with a label. A disability is simply only one aspect of the sum total of a unique individual. It focuses on the person first, the disability last.