Re: A few thoughts on language.

Hi,
Sorry for not speaking up at the meeting.

I actually don't like the name "cognitive impairments".
In Israel, "learning disabilities" are considered lighter than "cognitive
impairments", such as dyslexia as opposed to down syndrome. Many people
might not ask for accommodation if it's labeled as that.

Also, as a wheelchair user, I prefer the term "disabled" to "impaired".
"Disabled" suggests to me that there are things I am unable to do which
most people could do, whereas "impaired" suggests to me that there is
something broken with me.

I would rather stick with the name "Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
Accessibility Task Force", or change it to "Cognitive Accessibility Task
Force".

Regards
Ayelet Seeman

On Mon, Jul 13, 2015 at 7:23 PM, Neil Milliken <Neil.Milliken@bbc.co.uk>
wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> Just got back from annual leave. I love the term neurodiversity as it is
> positive suggesting someone is different not less able.
>
> I have been working with Leena and we did an interview with her for
> #axschat on the work that she has done at the BBC. Here is the link to the
> (captioned) video http://axschat.com/axschat-archive/leena-haque/
>
> Neil
> ________________________________________
> From: Jamie Knight [Jamie.Knight@bbc.co.uk]
> Sent: 13 July 2015 13:42
> To: lisa.seeman
> Cc: public-cognitive-a11y-tf@w3.org
> Subject: RE: A few thoughts on language.
>
> Hello,
>
> Thanks for the response.
>
> I had a look at the URL, the definition they are using seems competing.
>
> They are using it in an ageing context, but there appears to be nothing to
> indicate thats the exclusive use. Have i missed something?
>
> I like this:
>
> "Cognitive impairment is when a person has trouble
> remembering, learning new things, concentrating,
> or making decisions that affect their everyday
> life. Cognitive impairment ranges from mild to
> severe. With mild impairment, people may begin
> to notice changes in cognitive functions, but still
> be able to do their everyday activities. Severe
> levels of impairment can lead to losing the ability
> to understand the meaning or importance of
> something and the ability to talk or write, resulting
> in the inability to live independently."
>
> Thats a really nice, diagnoses agnostic summery of cognitive impairments.
>
> "I love the term neurodiversity. The problem is a lot of people do not
> know what it means."
>
> Perhaps there is case for combining the ND related issue papers into a
> single issue paper, and from there explaining the term? We could also link
> to other definitions.
>
> I think the W3C adopting the term would be highly valuable, we adopted the
> term at the BBC a few years ago (
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/diversity/disability/neurodiversityatthebbc - this
> site has some really neat videos made by Leena Hauge, BBC ND Lead). Its led
> to some interesting culture changes.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jamie + Lion
>
>
> _______________________________________
> From: lisa.seeman [lisa.seeman@zoho.com]
> Sent: 13 July 2015 11:52
> To: Jamie Knight
> Cc: public-cognitive-a11y-tf@w3.org
> Subject: Re: A few thoughts on language.
>
> Hi Jamie
> This is an important issue, that we have been struggling with. The problem
> is that so many of the alternative terms are used to mean different things
> in different locations. For example LD means something else entirely in the
> US and Europe.
>
> Cognitive impairment is being used in a limiting way in the US - see
> http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/cognitive_impairment/cogimp_poilicy_final.pdf
>
> I love the term neurodiversity. The problem is a lot of people do not know
> what it means.
>
> All the best
>
> Lisa Seeman
>
> Athena ICT Accessibility Projects <http://accessibility.athena-ict.com>
> LinkedIn<http://il.linkedin.com/in/lisaseeman/>, Twitter<
> https://twitter.com/SeemanLisa>
>
>
>
>
> ---- On Mon, 13 Jul 2015 13:28:01 +0300 Jamie Knight<
> Jamie.Knight@bbc.co.uk> wrote ----
> Hello All,
>
> Hope everyone is well. I was wondering if it would be worth discussing how
> we use language.
>
> I see lots of references to 'cognitive disability'. I'm not sure that's
> the term we should be using.
>
> I have several impairments due to my autistic traits. I also have a number
> of abilities due to the same.
>
> However It's the environment that limits my ability to do things and thus
> my 'disability' is environmental.
>
> To use a physical metaphor. If someone in unable to walk (an impairment)
> and uses assistive technology (a wheelchair) and the environment is
> inclusive (lifts, ramps etc) then they are not disabled. The impairment
> becomes as relevant as their eye colour.
>
> In most of the issue papers I have seen we break down challenges by
> impairment. So perhaps we could adopt the term cognitive impairment.
>
> Additionally, for some the term is neurodiversity. ND respects someone for
> being different but also part of normal variation, it rejects the
> medicalisation of a set of common traits or reactions.
>
> I think It's a subtle but important change in language.
>
> I have impairments for sure. But that does not mean I should be disabled
> by the them.
>
> What do you think?
>
> Jamie + Lion
>
>
> -----------------------------
> http://www.bbc.co.uk
> This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and
> may contain personal views which are not the views of the BBC unless
> specifically stated.
> If you have received it in
> error, please delete it from your system.
> Do not use, copy or disclose the
> information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender
> immediately.
> Please note that the BBC monitors e-mails
> sent or received.
> Further communication will signify your consent to
> this.
> -----------------------------
>
>
>
>
>
> -----------------------------
> http://www.bbc.co.uk
> This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and
> may contain personal views which are not the views of the BBC unless
> specifically stated.
> If you have received it in
> error, please delete it from your system.
> Do not use, copy or disclose the
> information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender
> immediately.
> Please note that the BBC monitors e-mails
> sent or received.
> Further communication will signify your consent to
> this.
> -----------------------------
>
>