Language Guidelines

Pleasant words are like an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. ~Proverbs 16:24

Here are some Public Awareness Guidelines.

• The correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome.  There is no apostrophe (Down).  The "s" in syndrome is not capitalized (syndrome).
• An individual with Down syndrome is an individual first and foremost.  The emphasis should be on the person, not the disability.  A person with Down syndrome has many other qualities and attributes that can be used to describe him or her.
• Encourage people to use people-first language:  "the person with Down syndrome," not "the Down syndrome person."  A person with Down syndrome is not "a Downs."
• Words can create barriers.  Recognize that a child is "a child with Down syndrome" or that an adult is "an adult with Down syndrome."  Children with Down syndrome grow into adults with Down syndrome; they do not remain eternal children.  Adults enjoy activities and companionship with other adults.
• It is important to use the correct terminology.  A person "has" Down syndrome, rather than "suffers from," "is a victim of," "is diseased with," or "is afflicted by" Down syndrome.
• Each person has his or her own unique strengths, capabilities, and talents.  Try not to use clichés when describing an individual with Down syndrome.  To assume that all people have the same characteristics or abilities is demeaning.  Also, it reinforces the stereotype that "all people with Down syndrome are the same."

Here are some guidelines for using People-First Language.

1. Put people first, not their disability.
   ::  A "person with a disability," not a "disabled person"
   ::  A "child with autism," not an "autistic child"
2. Use emotionally neutral expressions
   ::  A person "with" cerebral palsy, not "afflicted with" cerebral palsy
   ::  A person who had a stroke, not a stroke "victim"
   ::  A person "has" Down syndrome, not "suffers from" Down syndrome
3. Emphasize abilities, not limitations.
   ::  A person "uses a wheelchair," not "is wheelchair-bound"
   ::  A child "receives special education services," not "is in special ed"
4. Adopt preferred language.
   ::  "cognitive disability" or "intellectual disability" is preferred over "mentally retarded"
   ::  "typically developing" or "typical" is preferred over "normal"
   ::  "accessible" parking space or hotel room is preferred over "handicapped"

source:  National Down Syndrome Congress

I encourage you to allow some pleasant words to flow from your mouth this day.  :)