Talking Points
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22,956 Athletes are Registered in Georgia
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Over 500 Special Olympics Competitions take place annually in
local communities throughout Georgia
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There are 5 Statewide Competitions: Winter, Summer and Fall
Games, as well as a Master's Bowling Event and Horse Show
Terminology
Words can open doors to enable persons with disabilities to
lead fuller, more independent lives. Words can also create
barriers or stereotypes that are not only demeaning to persons
with disabilities, but which also rob them of their
individuality.
The following language guidelines have been developed by experts
in the field of intellectual disabilities for use by anyone
writing or speaking about persons with intellectual disabilities
or closely related developmental disabilities, to ensure that
all people are portrayed with individuality and dignity.
A person has an intellectual disability, rather than is suffering
from, afflicted with, or a victim of mental retardation. It is
preferred terminology not to write or say that a person is
"mentally retarded." The important point to remember when writing
or speaking is to refer to the person first to avoid labeling them
by their disability.
Refer to people in Special Olympics as athletes.
The word athletes should not appear in quotation marks.
Down syndrome has replaced "Down's Syndrome" and
Mongoloid.
Physically challenged or disabled rather than
crippled.
Someone who is partially sighted is visually
impaired rather than blind.
A person is hearing impaired rather than deaf or
deaf mute.
Distinguish between adults and children with
intellectual disabilities, and older or younger athletes.
A person uses a wheelchair rather than is confined
or restricted to a wheelchair.
Please do not use the following terminology:
Do not use the word "kids" when referring to Special Olympics
athletes. Adult athletes are an integral part of the program.
Do not use the adjective "unfortunate" when
talking about persons with intellectual disabilities.
Do not use the word "the" in front of Special
Olympics unless describing a specific Special Olympics event.
Do not sensationalize the accomplishments of
people with a disability. While these accomplishments should be
recognized and applauded, people in the disability rights movement
have tried to make the public aware of the negative impact of
referring to the achievements of people with physical or mental
disabilities with excessive hyperbole.
Do not overuse the word "special" when referring
to persons with intellectual disabilities. Their accomplishments
should not be trivialized by using cute words to describe their
efforts.
