Disability Language and Etiquette - Understanding and Respecting Diversity

Session Description:

This session offers a frank exploration of disability language and etiquette through historical context, art, and first-person accounts. It delves into myths and stereotypes, Person First and Identity First language, and the evolution of disability language. Participants will gain insights into professional communication about people with disabilities, ableism, and the concept of “inspiration porn” in the media. Based on best practices from the disability community, this session provides guidance for respectful and positive interactions, aiming to raise disability competency by increasing sensitivity and confidence in communicating with and about individuals with disabilities. You will leave with a deeper understanding of how disability language shapes society and how you can contribute positively both personally and professionally.

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Key Topics Covered:

• A frank exploration of disability awareness, language, and etiquette.
• Guidance for respectful, positive interactions.
• Tips for overcoming embarrassment to improve disability competency.
• Historical context, art, and first-person accounts.
• Person-First and Identity-First language: which to use, and when?
• Portrayals of disability and “Inspiration Porn” in the media.

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Learning Objectives:

Upon completing this course, you will:

• Gain a greater level of sensitivity and perspective about people who have disabilities.
• Learn today’s best practices for interacting with people who have disabilities.
• Become more competent in communicating with people who have disabilities.
• Understand how to effectively use disability language in a variety of contexts.

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Instructor:

Linda Clemon-Karp, MFA, ADAC, Continuing Education Specialist & Acting Assistant Director, Northwest ADA Center

Linda Clemon-Karp serves as the Continuing Education Specialist and Acting Assistant Director at the Northwest ADA Center. With a unique perspective gained from acquiring a life-changing disability in adulthood, she brings invaluable insights to her work. Linda has developed and provided training on the ADA and other disability-related topics both regionally and nationally. Her recent work includes creating online disability education curricula for arts organizations to improve access and inclusion for people with disabilities.

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Please Note:

• Presenter's Use of Disability Language:
  The presenter primarily uses Person First language but acknowledges and respects the use of Identity First language by many disability communities and individuals. The choice to use mostly Person First language is aimed at inclusivity for the diverse population of course participants.
• Timeliness of Terms:
  Language is constantly evolving. This course equips you with tools to communicate effectively with and about people with disabilities, even as language changes. The disability language taught in this course may evolve over time.

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Certificate / CRC Credit:

Details on certificate or CRC credit availability to be provided upon completion of the course and any associated requirements.