Latest News JVS Spotlight on April-May, 2012 JVS Spotlight - March, 2012 JVS Spotlight on December, 2011 JVS Spotlight on October, 2011 JVS Spotlight on September, 2011 JVS Spotlight on August, 2011 Tips for Interacting with People with Disabilities Workum Internships Expose Students to Jewish Nonprofits Career Workshops in September Highlighting Some JVS Accomplishments in the Last Year Archives 2012 May JVS Spotlight on April-May, 2012 March JVS Spotlight - March, 2012 January JVS Spotlight on December, 2011 2011 October JVS Spotlight on October, 2011 JVS Spotlight on September, 2011 August JVS Spotlight on August, 2011 Tips for Interacting with People with Disabilities Workum Internships Expose Students to Jewish Nonprofits Career Workshops in September Highlighting Some JVS Accomplishments in the Last Year With JVS support, Chris Stoner Progresses Toward His Goals New Program Offers Innovative Approach to Work Working Together to Serve People Better June Spotlight on JVS - June, 2011 April Getting the Job Done in Hamilton Message To The Community: Finding New Ways to Serve Statement of JVS Activities With the help of JVS, Daniel Speights gains independence Since 1955, Hilb Scholarships Have Helped Students Overcome Barriers to Pay for College How To Talk About Disabilities March Spotlight on JVS - March, 2011 February JVS Spotlight for December, 2010 and January, 2011 2010 December JVS President Urges Job Seekers to Get Advice JVS Spotlight on November, 2010 November JVS President Heads Ohio Rehabilitation Group Job Seekers Get A Competitive Edge With The Help Of Cincinnati Career Network Renovations Exceed Expectations A Break in the Routine Leads to Laughter Message to the Community: JVS is tackling job loss October JVS Spotlight on Aug/Sept, 2010 September Marge Selm Article in The Enquirer - September 25, 2010 CCN Article in The American Israelite - September 3, 2010 July JVS Spotlight on July, 2010 President and CEO Peter Bloch's appearance on WCET-TV JVS Spotlight on June, 2010 June JVS Spotlight on May, 2010 May JVS to celebrate 70th anniversary in Hamilton April April, 2010 Spotlight JVS Celebrates 70th Anniversary on May 6, 2010 March JVS President Elected to Head Ohio Rehabilitation Group February/March, 2010 Spotlight February January, 2010 Spotlight 2009 December December, 2009 Spotlight November, 2009 Spotlight November Create Your Jewish Legacy October October, 2009 Spotlight September September, 2009 Spotlight July, 2009 Spotlight August, 2009 Spotlight June June, 2009 Spotlight May May, 2009 Spotlight April April, 2009 Spotlight March Spotlight March JVS Welcomes New Board Chairperson, Joel S. Brant JVS Supportive Home Service Receives The Hamilton County Board of MRDD's Thomas H. Kidd Award for Excellence JVS Named SWORA's 2008 Rehabilitation Organization of the Year

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Friday April 15, 2011

How To Talk About Disabilities

People with disabilities are the largest minority in the U.S.  Like other minorities, the disability community has developed preferred language.  It’s called People First Language and it is an objective way of communicating.  It focuses on people and their abilities rather than their disabilities, diagnoses or medical conditions.  

What do you call people with disabilities? Men, women, boys, girls, mom, dad, adults, children, students, neighbors, employer, coworker, customer, teacher, scientist, athlete, comedian, SCUBA diver, Americans, individuals, leaders, people, friends and family.

• Focus on the person, not the disability: Alan has autism, not Alan is autistic.
• Emphasize abilities, not limitations: Sue walks with crutches, not Sue is crippled.
• Use positive descriptors, not negative: Lee has a brain injury, not Lee is brain damaged.
• Highlight access, not restrictions: Dan uses a wheelchair, not Dan is confined to a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are liberating for people with disabilities because they provide mobility.