Is Billy Suffering?

Thanks for coming back!

We left off last time with the scenario between Jan and Paul.??

Jan and Paul are talking about a potential student/client and Paul says, “I think Billy, the prospective student/client, suffers from Cerebral Palsy” .? Jan is stunned and feels uncomfortable.

Using the “Ask A Question” and/or the “Assume good will and Explain the Impact” Strategy:

What might Jan do/say in the moment?

What might Jan do/say at a later time?

As I mentioned before, use your own voice, but here is what I might say if I were Jan:

In the moment:? Paul, why do you think Billy? is “suffering” from Cerebral Palsy?

I learned something recently about using the term “suffering” when describing people with disabilities.? The term conveys people are in constant pain or powerless.??

I don't even know if I used the term suffering before but this stood out to me? because it was new information so I hope it helps you too.

Did you mean to convey that Billy?has a poor quality of life?

You can simply say that the person “has [a disability]” or 'has [cerebral palsy]'."

I will take Paul's response without judgment. The tone of my question assumes good will, I explained the impact and? I asked a question to get more information.

Whatever the response is, will either clarify and we can move on or it might prompt more questions.? Remember, the goal is to get more information, to educate the person while maintaining a positive relationship.?

Next time, we will explore a different scenario using one to two more strategies.?

I hope to continue our dialogue so please drop a comment about what resonated and/or what did not about my response.? And, I hope you will join me again next time.

Here is a resource developed as part of the United Nations' 2019 Disability Inclusion Strategy: Disability Inclusive Language Guidelines

Take good Care!

#RADICALDEI