| June 29, 2009 | Volume 84, Number 18 | |
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Reader delighted with articles on people with disabilitiesAs someone who has worked with adults, children and families with disabilities for the past twenty-two years, I was delighted to see two important articles in the May 4th (Volume 84, No. 14) issue of the Catholic Virginian: “Group Promotes Adoption of Down Syndrome Babies” and “May 30 Conference in Norfolk: ‘Getting started’ is Aim of Disabilities Advocates.” Both of these articles focused on positive changes for people with disabilities. I applaud “Reece’s Rainbow” and the “Faith Inclusion Network of South Hampton Roads” (FIN). It is my hope, however, that soon, the Catholic Church will recognize “People First” language in ALL articles, documents, and discussions. “People First” language emphasizes that people with disabilities are not the sum of their developmental or physical differences. Each person is an individual with wondrous gifts and abilities. Keeping these precepts in mind, the children mentioned in these articles are a daughter with autism (rather than an “autistic daughter”) and a baby with Down syndrome (rather than a “Down syndrome baby.”)
Is this just semantics? Absolutely not! Advocacy groups across the country are promoting this endeavor. The ARC of Virginia, a leader in these efforts, has developed a new campaign, “I Have a Life, I Have a Dream, I Have a Name.” It is my hope that Catholics and ALL Virginians will reflect on this and rise to the call the next time they meet a person with a disability. Thank you,
read Group promotes adoption of Down syndrome babies » read May 30 Conference in Norfolk: ‘Getting started’ is Aim of Disabilities Advocates. » About Us | Archives | Around | Articles | Columns | Contact Us | Editorial | Hispanic Apostolate | Home | Opportunities | Parish Profile | Shortakes | The Catholic Diocese of RichmondCopyright © 2009 The Catholic Virginian Press. Articles from Catholic News Services, including Fr. Dietzen’s column, may not be reproduced due to copyright considerations.The Catholic Virginian is a biweekly publication serving the people of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. This website includes some, but not all, of the articles from the print version of The Catholic Virginian.For subscription information Contact Us. |
Additionally, Virginia has a new slogan: “Virginia is not Retarded anymore, almost!” which promotes a change toward the use of the terms “intellectual, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities” rather than the hurtful term “mental retardation.” In 2007, the Knights of Columbus agreed to replace the word “retarded” with “intellectual disabilities.” Watch for new aprons and signs during the Knights of Columbus annual Tootsie Roll(c) Drive.