This month marks awareness of multiple special needs and disabilities.
ADHD Awareness Month
Disability History Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Dysautonomia Awareness
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Dyslexia Awareness Month
Occupational Therapy Awareness Month
In addition, it is the 30th anniversary of the ADA. There is a wide range of activities associated with National Disability Employment Awareness Month centered on the theme “Increasing Access and Opportunity.”
With all the attention and media coverage, it was only a matter of time until someone slipped. It happened this morning on a national network news show. They used the phrase “Special Needs Kids.” Variety KC supporterss and parents caught it and immediately asked for a correction.
The appropriate way to refer to some with a disability is through people-first language. It’s as simple has the difference between “has” and “is.” A disability doesn’t define a person, a person has a disability.
Wrong: A disabled child
Right: A child with a disability.
Wrong: Wheelchair-bound person
Right: A person using a wheelchair
Deborah Wiebrecht the Executive Director of Variety KC say, “Variety KC is proud of their parents and supporters who advocate for the dignity and individuality of our kids. We also believe it’s important for our organization to provide information for people, media, and employers who unintentionally use incorrect wording. Please help us to spread the word.”
Variety KC serves kids with special needs and there families right here in KC. This includes driving the #inclusionrevolution in KC, with the goal of making it the most inclusive and accessible city in the nation.
