Re: Identity First Language and Introductory paragraph

+1

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Kris Anne Kinney, CPACC
Accessibility Specialist
609-734-1466

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision.  ~ Helen Keller

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From: Lisa Seeman <lisa1seeman@gmail.com>
Date: Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 7:01 AM
To: Rachael Bradley Montgomery <rachael@accessiblecommunity.org>
Cc: public-cognitive-a11y-tf <public-cognitive-a11y-tf@w3.org>
Subject: Re: Identity First Language and Introductory paragraph
+1

On Thu, Feb 18, 2021 at 3:44 AM Rachael Bradley Montgomery <rachael@accessiblecommunity.org<mailto:rachael@accessiblecommunity.org>> wrote:
Hello,

At last week's meeting<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2021%2F02%2F11-coga-minutes.html%23resolution01&data=04%7C01%7Ckakinney%40ets.org%7Ca3273b4207a94ce00c8f08d8d404ee3c%7C0ba6e9b760b34fae92f37e6ddd9e9b65%7C0%7C0%7C637492464932039986%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=2R%2FdR2DjLuPmdOb8wG3ztOeb6czWcbNL6uZ%2BXaiRBdU%3D&reserved=0> we agreed to move forward with identity first language for autistic people (rather than people with autism) and add an introductory paragraph to the document.  This is email is to:

  1.  Give the broader list members a chance to provide feedback on the decision, and
  2.  Provide draft language for the introductory paragraph for review and editing.
The introductory paragraph is below.

Language Use

Language and terminology for cognitive and learning disabilities varies greatly between cultures and communities. Preferred language is also changing over time.  We selected terms and defined them in the glossary for consistency within this document. We do not assert these are correct in all cases and for all groups. When we were aware of conflicting opinions, we reached out to individuals that identify with each term.  When preferences varied, we have used our best judgement to select a term based on the feedback and provided alternatives within the glossary definition. When deciding on language and terminology to use when discussing cognitive and learning disabilities, we recommend reaching out to individuals with cognitive and learning disabilities to select the best terms within the specific situation and culture.

Please respond if you have additional feedback on the identity first language decision or edits to the glossary introduction language.

Best regards,

Rachael

--
Rachael Montgomery, PhD
Director, Accessible Community
rachael@accessiblecommunity.org<mailto:rachael@accessiblecommunity.org>

"I will paint this day with laughter;
I will frame this night in song."
 - Og Mandino


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