Even people with special ability who are deaf are being held back. As a result, they do not receive the encouragement required in order to learn to their full potential. Often our intentions are good, but the results can damage the quality of learning. Not all of these terms are necessarily negative all the time. But there are dangers in talking about people in this way, for the person being labelled and for the person doing the labelling.
Many adults are 'functionally illiterate' as a result of being labelled in their childhood.
Imagine what your world would be like if that was the only way people saw you, if job opportunities, friendships, your status in the community were determined by this skill you lack. Imagine if no one recognized the other talents you possess. Chapter Four References Atkinson, Tannis, Frances Ennis and Betty-Ann Lloyd. The power of woman-positive literacy work . Colvin, Ruth J. and Jane H. Root.