How did you do on the person-first self-assessment? What was your level of expertise? Is there room for improvement?
~I personally feel that the preference of this choice actually depends on the matters at hand. For instance, if I am explaining someone to another person I would tend to say, "the child has a developmental delay" but in the same instance I could easily say that another person is a "disabled person." I would tend to think that I would probably fall more on the person-first language (PFL) but both can be used. I also feel that having the understanding that using identity-first language (IFL) cannot be used within the terms of a medical condition is a big factor, but having the proper knowledge is key when using either of these languages. I don't believe either language is better than another, I believe that the situations can vary and recognizing the language of the person or persons you are speaking with could be more beneficial for all.
~I don't think it necessarily changed my way of thinking how to address a person but rather broaden my horizon on the differences of the languages and allowed me to see that there truly are two sides to everything. I know that persons with disabilities have fought a long hard battle in changing the terminology coined to them, and knowing that some would prefer PFL and others IFL means that we have to work a little harder to understand whom we are speaking with.
~For the self-assessment I scored a 55, which means "I'm a conscientious user", I never thought I was using terms incorrectly until I read these articles. Thinking of the handicapped parking or bathroom, I realize now that I am not properly using the terminology myself or with my own children. They often have questions about the parking spots, just the other day my eleven year old asked me the difference with the words "van accessible" on on sign and not on the other. I explained the difference with the white stripes and the amount of room that was on either side of the vehicle and the need for the extra space if the person was in a wheel chair. While I thought I was properly using the terminology, I have come to now understand that I was incorrect, so I can easily admit that I have room for improvement.
Do you prefer person-first or identity-first language? Do you think one is better than the other?
~I personally feel that the preference of this choice actually depends on the matters at hand. For instance, if I am explaining someone to another person I would tend to say, "the child has a developmental delay" but in the same instance I could easily say that another person is a "disabled person." I would tend to think that I would probably fall more on the person-first language (PFL) but both can be used. I also feel that having the understanding that using identity-first language (IFL) cannot be used within the terms of a medical condition is a big factor, but having the proper knowledge is key when using either of these languages. I don't believe either language is better than another, I believe that the situations can vary and recognizing the language of the person or persons you are speaking with could be more beneficial for all.
Did the articles change your thinking about how to address persons with disabilities?
~I don't think it necessarily changed my way of thinking how to address a person but rather broaden my horizon on the differences of the languages and allowed me to see that there truly are two sides to everything. I know that persons with disabilities have fought a long hard battle in changing the terminology coined to them, and knowing that some would prefer PFL and others IFL means that we have to work a little harder to understand whom we are speaking with.
How does this information impact you as a future elementary general education teacher?
~By gaining this knowledge of a difference in language I will be able to better share with not only my future classroom but also my own children. Special Education has a place in my heart and is truly what I would prefer to do my degree in, ever since working with children as a SPED AIDE. Educating the youth on the ways of the world is going to be our job and having this to share as an understanding of the use of words and how it can hurt a persons feeling is monumental. I never thought of the explanation of words when introducing someone with or without a disability. We don't say "hi I have no disability and my name is Tracie", we say "Hi, my name is Tracie." 
Hey Tracie! Great job on the first blog post. Our responses are both similar in that we both believe that PFL and IFL to be almost interchangeable based on the circumstances of each individual encounter. I feel that just being conscientious and respectful in general are good rules of thumb. I would think also for the most part, if you are showing respect towards the person with a disability, they would understand and see the effort being put forth. I think the tricky part is being respectful and sensitive to their needs and feelings yet treating them like the person that they are. I really like that you added to the future teacher portion that it is our responsibility to educate others as well, which I hadn't really taken into consideration. The classroom is a great place to model behaviors that we would like our "future adults" to exhibit as well as a great place to educate them on not only the disabilities themselves but how to all of the variations and diversities make us who we are, something we should be proud of.
ReplyDeletehi Tracie! I think you did a really nice job putting your blog together. The pictures and cartoons added a great touch. One of the things that I couldn't help but notice throughout your writing is that you mention your own children. I think that is fantastic! As educators, we often forget that we first teach our own children, and I think that it is great that you are teaching your children to be sensitive to the needs of others. I wish all parents cared enough to teach their children this valuable lesson. I really believe that it is easier to teach something we truly believe, and I am so thankful for people like yourself that are willing to answer the call and work with those that have special needs. Best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteTracie,
ReplyDeleteGood job on your blog post. I also, like others, enjoyed the pictures and cartoons. I can understand how PFL and IFL can be interchangeable. I have been taught that only PFL was acceptable, however after reading the articles I now know that some may not feel that way. I think you would be able to tell if you were offending someone in the way you talk to them, so if they don't like one way then you can use the other.