Choose the right words

Use of terms such as handicap or disability may seem the same for most of us, but to those who are affected, it makes a difference

Impairment' and 'disability' are terms most regularly used. But even more common is the term 'handicap.' We use this 'h' word for all people with special needs – which is actually outdated and incorrect.

Before we interchange these words and use them alternatively, one for another, it is important we know what they actually mean. The most precise and practical definitions of these three words are given here.

WHO defines impairment as any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function. One can use the word 'impairment' in conjunction with speech, hearing, sight and mobility. It can also be used in conjunction with any other form of loss or abnormality.

Currently the correct usage is 'child with a speech impairment' or 'person with hearing/visual impairment' rather than 'speech impaired child' or 'mobility impaired individual'. It may seem the same thing to those without a disability and are lucky enough not to be affected by any impairment, but to those who are, it makes a difference. A small effort on our parts can prevent hurting the affected person's sensitivity.

WHO defines disability as any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. In other words disability is the functional consequence of impairment.

UN, however, has a more comprehensive definition that says the term "disability" summarises a great number of different functional limitations occurring in any population in any country of the world. People may be disabled by physical, intellectual or sensory impairment, medical conditions or mental illness. Such impairments, conditions or illnesses may be permanent or transitory in nature.

WHO defines handicap as a disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from an impairment or a disability, that prevents the fulfilment of a role that is considered normal – depending on age, sex, social and cultural factors for that individual or simply put it is the social consequence of impairment.

UN similarly, defines handicap as the loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the life of the community on an equal level with others. It describes the encounter of a person with a disability and the environment.

The purpose of this term is to emphasise the focus on the shortcomings in the environment and in many organised activities in society, for example, information, communication and education, which prevent persons with disabilities from participating on equal terms.

By applying these definitions, distinctions are made as to how one functions as a result of impairment. Not all impairments result in disabilities. One may also be disabled but not handicapped.

The use of the two terms "disability" and "handicap", as defined above, should be seen in the light of modern disability history. During the 1970s there was a strong reaction among representatives of organisations of persons with disabilities and professionals in the field of disability against the terminology of the time.

The terms "disability" and "handicap" were often used in an unclear and confusing way, which gave poor guidance for policy-making and for political action. The terminology reflected a medical and diagnostic approach, which ignored the imperfections and deficiencies of the surrounding society.

Most of us who have got over the 'h' word, have quite conveniently taken to 'disabled' instead. If 'functional limitation' is the crux of the definition given above then a mother travelling with an infant in a pram, toddler by her side and travel bags on her shoulder also has many 'functional limitations' during her travel. She is by definition, actually 'disabled'. But her disability is not because of impairment.

Would we think of labelling her as disabled? think not. Most of us who understand her plight would probably give her an understanding smile and physically help her out if we can. Would we do that with a person in a wheel chair? I guess not. We would look at the individual and immediately look away, a 'tut-tut' in our minds and a blank expression on our faces. I wonder how many years will pass before the wheelchair user gets the same treatment as the mother?

The obvious difference in the treatment is because there are more 'disabled' mothers around than wheelchair users and the help offered to the mother is more forthcoming because people know how to help her. But such is not the case of the wheel chair user. Ignorance and not knowing how, can be overcome by ones sincerity and willingness to help.

The words 'handicapped' and 'disabled' are not normally used anymore unless used definitively as mentioned above. If used then the internationally acceptable term usually is 'person with a disability' and not 'disabled person'.

In the western society and even in Dubai, these days it is politically correct and socially polite to use the words 'special needs' when you are unclear about the affected persons' condition. As in 'child/individual with special needs' but never 'special needs child'. When used correctly, even the word 'challenged' is quite acceptable – as in 'physically challenged' or 'mentally challenged'.

So next time if you realise that a child is not 'normal', instead of being stumped and not knowing what to say next and where to look, take the courage of talking to the mother or to child itself. Try and react in a manner that you would with a normal child – Say hello and ask for a name if the child seems old enough to speak.

Remember even if the child cannot speak he may be able to understand and comprehend all that you say. So treat them like any other person. Do not pretend he is not on the scene – the child will comprehend this too. Don't however try to give unnecessary advice.

Parents know the child's case better than you. Most of us end up asking 'Have you sought expert advice?' Of course they already have – probably not one but several experts. There is this fine line here between being friendly and inquisitive – don't cross it.

It is at this point that some parents also react in an unwarranted way. They also sometimes cross that fine line between patience and daily reality. If you happen to be a parent or caregiver of an individual with special needs, please do not take offence and dampen the occasional initiative from the public.

Obviously being unexposed and unaware of the situation, people are often awkward and sometimes seem inquisitive or insensitive to you. Instead of getting upset take this opportunity to make the awareness happen. As a parent of a child with special needs you are the best person to do so.

The word 'retarded' is obsolete in terms of usage too. Don't use it. Use 'delay' or 'disorder' instead.

The difference between delay and disorder is specified here:
Most children follow the very predictable pattern of development. When a child is developing skills in this order but is doing it more slowly, the child has delayed learning.

Sometimes the child does not have the same skills as oth