"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." - Mark TwainPeople with disabilities are just like every other human being. Person-first language puts focus on the individual and not the disability. We should not identify individuals based on their functional or mental limitations. For example, a practitioner should refer to someone as "a man who had a stroke" instead of a "stroke patient." I believe it is important to understand and practice person-first language to be an effective practitioner. First, it allows the client to feel more comfortable, and you will make more progress together if the client feels like an individual and not a disability. Second, occupational therapists are trained to help people as a whole, not just the disability, so it is important for us to look past the disability and focus on the client, as well. There are countless more reasons to practice person-first language, but it is not just important for the client's sake. It is crucial that practitioners fully understand and believe in the holistic approach to therapy as well, and it starts here.
Last night my OT class had the opportunity to watch a local D-I professional wheelchair basketball team practice. The Rolling Grizzlies is an athletic group of men who compete in the highest wheelchair basketball division. What an experience it was getting to watch them play. Not only did we get to watch, but the players let us take their chairs for a spin! I played basketball growing up, so I jumped at the opportunity to try out one of the chairs. Instantly I realized the arm strength required to shoot and pass the ball from a seated position as well as the coordination needed for pushing the chair and dribbling the ball smoothly. It is much harder than typical basketball. These men played for an hour and a half with hardly any breaks. This shows what great physical shape is required to participate in this game. During my undergraduate career, I was fortunate enough to take an adapted athletics course where we learned about all types of ...
Very insightful post!
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