Getting Started
The language that we use to talk about disability and suffering often comes from what we have heard and learned in our own social circles. We have a sense that there are both respectful and derogatory ways to talk about the experiences of disability and suffering, but sometimes we struggle to know exactly where the line is and what certain terms mean in specific contexts. This discussion will give you an opportunity to learn some new vocabulary and help you see how to use your language with respect and precision.
First, we need to make it clear that while this course treats the topics of both disability and suffering, these terms are not synonymous. Yes, some disability involves suffering (e.g., paraplegia often involves ongoing pain and discomfort from the condition itself). However, other disabilities, for example blindness, are not experienced as also causing pain or suffering. Likewise, there is suffering, both physical and emotional, that is not associated with a disability but with other categories of injury or illness.
Second, we are all learning how to talk about these very personal issues. We want to use our language clearly and respectfully. Sometimes this is easy. Other times, old habits or new and unfamiliar territory make it hard to do this. Please be patient and gracious with yourself and with others. Feel free to say when you donât know how to say what you want to say. If you are offended by certain terms or language you may communicate that, but do so assuming good intentions on the part of other persons involved. Be considerate both in the words that you choose and in how you allow others to explore and learn.
Third and finally, this is a course that delves into some of the deepest experiences of human life and spirituality. We all bring our own experiences and perspectives to bear on that. Please hear and honor what others have to say. We will also be bringing the perspective of the Christian Bible to bear on those very personal experiences. You do not have to agree with all that the Bible says or what Christians believe, but we ask you to give it an honest hearing as a way of life that brings many people purpose and meaning as they face disability and suffering.
Background Information
Below you will find the vocabulary list that you will select from for this discussion. These terms are taken from Glossary of Disability Terminology, which also contains descriptions of several disorder and conditions related to disability.
We all recognize that there are derogatory terms used around disability and/or sufferingâcertain terms that demean and dehumanize people. These would include terms such as slow, retarded, invalid, crazy, deformed, pansy, feeble-minded, imbecile, wimp, and crippled. You may know other derogatory terms as well. We recognize that some of these were acceptable in other times or contexts (i.e., âretardedâ was a common medical term before the 1980âs). However, we ask that you avoid these terms and any others with negative connotations in your discussions and writing.
Vocabulary List
Accessibility/Accessible
Assistive Technology
Discrimination
Disability
Equality/Equalisation (or Equalization in American English)
Handicap
Impairment
Inclusion
Independent Living
Intellectual Disability
People first language
Rehabilitation
Special Education Needs
Universal Desig
Instructions
Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
Read âAn Introduction (That You Should Read)â and âChapter 1: How Everything Startedâ in the textbook. Pay special attention to how the author talks about Pascalâs disorder and the familyâs experience with it.
View the video âA Personal Story of Disabilityâ as a complement to your reading from the textbook.
Choose a term from the Vocabulary List in the Background Information and look it up in the, Glossary of Disability Terminology. Skim through other parts of the glossary, and find another term or label (not in the vocabulary list) that you think would apply to the experience of disability narrated in the first two chapters of the textbook.
Read the op-ed article by Joanna Bourke, “How to Talk about Pain,” from The New York Times, July 13, 2014. As you do so, consider how you would describe living with a painful disability in light of the article.
Make an initial post by day 4 that consists of the topics listed below. You are welcome towrite a post of 500 words . Describe your response to the chapters in Holding Hands with Pascal and relate this reading to one experience where you have encountered people (perhaps yourself) dealing with disability and/or suffering. In the course of your response and description, you should employ your chosen vocabulary term from the Glossary, the additional term that you discovered from the Glossary, and a point from the article on How to Talk About Pain.
Close your post by commenting on your reaction to this exercise about exploring the terminology around disability and suffering. What feelings or reactions has this initial topic raised within you?
Post at two responses (two to your classmates/one to your instructor if your instructor asks the question) by the end of the workshop, following these guidelines: Respond to at least two of your classmates.
Respond at least once to the instructor,