#147

As is evident from previous posts, I am a strong believer in inclusive education and believe in the importance of positive language. Hence, a recent feature on BBC News resonated deeply with me.

The short feature (less than three minutes) shared Becca’s quest to not only raise awareness of Down’s Syndrome and the importance of positive language, but to do so in a tangible way. She has created cards (Becca's Cards) with some basic facts and with a focus on person-centric language. These have been distributed locally in hospitals and she is now looking to extend distribution to various locations nationwide.

Source: Mum launches new language cards

In reading about Becca’s journey, I came across this wonderful quote by Desmond Tutu:

This quote resonates deeply with me. As shared in my March 2018 post, Reflection and Philosophy, and in my July 2018 post, A Major Adjustment, I am very grateful to have worked with students with learning differences and having had the opportunity to learn at a formative time in my teaching career so much regarding the importance of (i) collaborative practice, (ii) the power of words and (iii) viewing a diagnosis not as a label, but simply as a starting point from which to consider appropriate strategies to best support the individual student holistically in the here and now and as the foundation for future growth.

“I quickly learned the power of words. The use of positive language (referring to students who experience dyslexia or a student with Down’s, rather than a dyslexic student or a Down’s student) ensures we see students, like all of us, as multi-dimensional individuals with areas of strength and weaknesses. Some see this as being pedantic or politically correct rather than as an act of respect. As such I see a diagnosis, not as a label, but simply as a starting point from which to consider appropriate strategies to best support the individual student holistically in the here and now, and as the foundation for future growth.” (An excerpt from pages 88-89 of Chapter 6, Ring, Ring Goes the Bell in the text, A Major Adjustment: How a Remarkable Child Became a Remarkable Adult, in which Andy Merriman quoted me).

I invite you to not only be inspired by Becca, but to also reflect - per Desmond Tutu’s quote - on the way the language you use creates reality.

References:

• BBC (October 2020) Down's syndrome language: 'No-one meant anything hurtful"

• Brady, A. (2018) A Major Adjustment

• Brady, A. (2018) Reflection and Philosophy

• Down’s Syndrome Association (2020) Mum launches new language cards www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

• Merriman, A. (2018) A Major Adjustment: How a Remarkable Child Became a Remarkable Adult