tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8924073396827403351.post5012007291905473349..comments2024-02-29T01:18:34.298-08:00Comments on Adventures in Modern Life: AM A SPECIAL-NEEDS DISABLED CRIPPLE?Ben Mattlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216939366830065725noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8924073396827403351.post-67840786937870445622012-12-11T07:03:53.286-08:002012-12-11T07:03:53.286-08:00I've started replacing "dis" as a pr...I've started replacing "dis" as a prefix to all kinds of words. I get discomfortable instead of uncomfortable, or I distatch from stressful situations instead of detach myself. It gives me a moment of light-heartedness and a way to remind myself of my positive disability identity. Recently, a rehab clinician asked "Can you believe some people use the term brain-injured instead of person with a brain injury?" When I told him I like to refer to myself as brain-injured and use the term for others, he gasped and looked horrified. He asked why on earth I would do that? It's shorter and easier to say. I'm genuinely glad this person has gotten training in person-first language and person-first attitudes. But if he rejects how disabled people identiffy themselves, then which hypothetical person is he putting first? Cheryl Verdehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12820073460816990324noreply@blogger.com