Disability Equity Week: Shattering the Silences - "Word Matter: The Evolving Language of Disability"

When is person-first langague appropriate? Dr. Shannon Wooden, professor of English and the Coordinator of the Disability Studies program will elaborate on how even widely acceptable language reflects pervasive, and not always positive, attitudes toward people with disabilities. Noting that stigma can be reinforced by certain language choices, Dr. Wooden will also discuss how fear of using the wrong words may silence what should be insightful and productive conversations about disability.