Learning Objectives
Apply listening behaviors to improve comprehension of spoken English
Summarize content of spoken English conversations and speeches
Physical differences between individuals can be as minor as hair color or eye color, to more substantial differences in physical abilities. Awareness of respectful language used when discussing disabilities is important. A general rule to keep in mind is to “put the person first.”
Key Vocabulary
Activist Disability Impairment Inclusive
Person who is blind or visually impaired Person with a physical disability
Person who is deaf or hard of hearing Stereotype
Equally important to using inclusive language is being aware of outdated and pejorative terms that refer to people with disabilities.
Words/Terms NOT to use
Crippled Handicapped Invalid Mute
“The” terms (the blind, the deaf, the disabled)
Video and audio content
Watch Dr. Chieko Asakawa demonstrate how everyone benefits by technology designed for people who are blind.
Watch Stella Young rebuke the idea that as a person with a disability she is automatically an inspiration to others.
Listen to David Watson discuss his thoughts on his culture’s perception of disability.