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How to Create Awareness
The first step to creating awareness is to use your voice!
Voicing the Right Words Makes a Difference that We Can All Hear.
Children living with developmental disabilities daily face the reality that their physical or mental differences set them apart from the society in which they live. Incorrect and outdated terminology makes this feeling of exclusion and isolation worse. The use of appropriate language about people with disabilities can be an important tool in building a community that accepts all people. Being sensitive and aware means being specific and accurate 'People-first' language helps us remember that people are unique individuals and that their abilities or disabilities are only part of who they are. When you use the right words, you become a good example for all those who hear you.
Other ways to use your voice in creating awareness:
1) As a normal part of your day use the appropriate terminology around everyone you meet in conversations, in the workplace, in your own home.
2) Step out in your community through volunteering at functions held that benefit people with disabilities. 'Make a difference'.
3) Check out your schools in the community where you live. If they have inclusion programs bringing together children with and without disabilities, GREAT, if not
find out why not and talk to the schools about inclusion classrooms being started.
4) Invite your children's friends over that have disabilities to play together. Everyone benefits from this activity. The children with and without disabilities will have a whole new world open up to them and learn so much.
5) The smallest gesture can mean so much. Look at the person not the disability. A smile and hello can change their world.
Check out our sections on Appropriate Terminology and Portrayal Issues to help guide you.
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