| Language Guidelines |
| The
following guidelines are offered as suggestions recognizing that
spoken and written words often convey more than their intended
meaning. Choosing words carefully can meaningfully enhance the
intended communication and help to avoid unintended connotations. |
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An
individual with Down syndrome is an individual first and foremost.
The emphasis should be on the person, not the disability. Down
syndrome is just one of the many words that can be used to describe
a person. Do not say, “That child is a Downs” or “She’s a Down’s
baby.” A child with Down syndrome, an adult with Down syndrome,
or a person with Down syndrome is a more appropriate way to discuss
a person with this condition. |
|
Words
can create barriers. Try to recognize that a child is “a child
with Down syndrome” or that an adult is “an adult with Down syndrome.” Children
with Down syndrome grow into adults with Down syndrome; they do
not remain “eternal children.” Adults enjoy activities and companionship
with other adults. |
|
Encourage
people to use person-first language, i.e., “The person with Down
syndrome” not “The Down syndrome person!” Identify individuals
with Down syndrome as an individual, a friend, a student, or a
family member. |
|
It
is important to use the correct terminology. A person has Down
syndrome, rather than “suffers from,” is a “victim of,” “is diseased
with,” or “is afflicted by.” A person with Down syndrome is not “a
Downs.” |
|
Although
not incorrect, the term “mental retardation” is somewhat out of
favor. A preferred term is “Developmental Disability.” |
|
Each
person has his/her own unique strengths, capabilities and talents.
Try not to use the clichés that are so common when describing an
individual with Down syndrome. To assume all people have the same
characteristics or abilities minimizes their individuality. Also,
it reinforces the stereotype that “all kids with Down syndrome
are the same.” |
|
The
correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome. There is no apostrophe
(Down). The “s” in syndrome is not capitalized (syndrome). |
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Most
important, look at the person as an individual – your child, your
family member, your student, your friend. Proudly acknowledge their
individuality and their accomplishments. Remember, persons with
Down syndrome are more like us than different. They have feelings
too. They want to be included. |
From http://www.downsyndromeresourcecenter.org/
languageguidelines.html. Adapted by MHDSA 7-11-06 |
