I follow a lot of blogs, blogs made by amazing mom's who have been blessed with a child with Spina Bifida. I learned something today from one of the blogs. It was about the vocabulary we use and the meaning behind the word. Specifically she was talking about the word "disabled". Now this is a word that I have used many times, not because I like the word, but because I'm not always sure what word to use. It is a word commonly used to describe Caleb and countless other people. It's not something I would even normally think about...until I read the definition. Here goes:
| Main Entry: | disabled |
| Part of Speech: | adjective |
| Definition: | incapacitated |
| Synonyms: | broken-down, confined, decrepit, disarmed, hamstrung, handicapped, helpless, hurt, incapable, infirm, laid-up, lame, maimed, out-of-action, out-of-commission, paralyzed, powerless, run-down, sidelined, stalled, weakened, worn-out, wounded, wrecked |
| Antonyms: | able, healthy |
This is a word used to describe MY son. "Incapacitated", really? That doesn't sound like Caleb at all. And look at the synonyms. My heart breaks over these words used to describe someone so precious to me. These words do not define my son. If you know Caleb at all you know that he is anything but "helpless", "powerless", "weakened" or "wrecked". And "incapable", please! And the antonyms are used to describe what he is NOT. My son IS able. My son IS healthy.
Just for fun I looked up the word "handicapped" which I am so not a fan of:
| Main Entry: | handicapped |
| Part of Speech: | adjective |
| Definition: | thwarted |
| Synonyms: | balked, blocked, burdened, checked, crippled, curbed, deterred, disabled, disadvantaged, encumbered, foiled, hampered, impeded, limited, mentally disabled, obstructed, physically challenged, physically disabled, restrained, restricted, stymied, wounded |
| Antonyms: | aided, helped, supported |
| Again, these words do not describe Caleb at all. I had a lesson in vocabulary today and it will forever change the words I use from now on. I will not use these words again. Words are very powerful and we take for granted the impact that they can have. Lets use better words people! Caleb is very ABLE, independent, resilient, determined, strong, and healthy. | |
4 comments:
You know, it's funny but when I look at Caleb I don't see the wheelchair or the walker. I see a beautiful little boy who loves life, laughter and food. Know one knows yet what Caleb is or will be capable of doing and I firmly believe he is going to make liars out of the medical profession, especially those who wanted to end him and not even give him a chance. There is nothing wrong with Caleb, he is perfectly normal and I would beat anyone up who said otherwise.
AMEN! :) Thank you again so much for your support and friendship. So glad we have each other to lean on and laugh with at how society's fears are our blessings! These children are amazing and it's so nice to be able to share our stories with each other and delight in their successes together.
This reminds me of a video you might like: http://www.ted.com/talks/aimee_mullins_the_opportunity_of_adversity.html
There are some other good talks by Aimee Mullins on TED.com as well.
Enjoy!
-- Abbysdad from spinabifidaconnection.com
Hey Cassie, As you know I am way behind but I love this entry.
I, too, have tossed this subject around in my head and talked with those close to me about it. I personally do not like disabled, but like handicapped a little better. I DO NOT like special needs. This feeling has just come about lately.
I do, however, like paraplegic. Not that I am trying to define Ciaran, but paraplegic is more of a noun as opposed to the adjectives that disabled, crippled and handicapped are. You know what I mean. Of course, this is only my opinion and it may change as she gets older. =)
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