[IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices

  • From: "Flor Lynch" <florlync@xxxxxx>
  • To: <irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:28:58 +0100

Believe it or not, the origin of it was 'hand in cap', a game in which forfeit 
money was held in a cap.  [The following brief excerpt is borrowed from 
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.  With apologies if a part of this has 
been seen here before.]  -----


Function: noun
Etymology: obsolete English handicap, a game in which forfeit money was held in 
a cap, from hand in cap
1 a : a race or contest in which an artificial advantage is given or 
disadvantage imposed on a contestant to equalize chances of winning b : an 
advantage
given or disadvantage imposed usually in the form of points, strokes, weight to 
be carried, or distance from the target or goal
2 a : a disadvantage that makes achievement unusually difficult b sometimes 
offensive : a physical disability



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rosaleen Dempsey 
  To: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 11:04 AM
  Subject: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices


  Hi all

  The word "handicapped" comes from the phrase "cap in hand", to beg. It was of 
its time but is now outdated. Plenty of words go out of usage. Personally, I 
would like to see this one join them.

  I don't agree that talking about language and disability is petty for this 
reason: Society uses language to put labels on people. We all do it to make 
sense of the world. However, if a label is negative it allows for stereotyping. 
The word "handicapped" was widely used in the medical profession and was used 
to describe the person's disability. The medical model of disability puts the 
problems of access etc solely in the court of the person with a disability. 
This gives society no responsibility to change and become more disability 
friendly.

  While I agree with you, Darragh, that there are other wider issues, I don't 
think we should underestimete the power of words and language. It can inspire 
hatred, fear and ignorance. It can dehumanise people and turn them into objects 
of pity or hatred rather than human beings deserving of respect. Think of the 
word "spastic" which was used for people with physical disabilities such as 
cerebral palsy. It had to be changed because the word was widely being used as 
an insult. 

  Regards,
  Rosaleen





  Darragh.OHeiligh@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:

    Itâ?Ts only distasteful because you as being someone with a disability 
expect that the use of the word will have negative implications on the 
perception of others toward people who are blind. You ask if I would have a 
problem with being called Handicapped. Well, it would solely depend on the 
context in which the word was used.  I don't find the word to be derogatory 
because in the context of a *sensory* disability it means something completely 
different than when used to describe someone with a mental disability. 

    I fear you are still not understanding the point I have repeatedly made.  
There are much more important issues to address than one insignificant word.  
You said in your first email that you were afraid of the difference in 
perception this word would make.  I have debated that the majority of people in 
society will not pay much attention to the use of the word handicapped and in 
fact drawing attention to its use is counter productive and may be viewed by 
some as a petty and wasteful quibble. 

    If you take a quick look on Google you'll find that the term sensory 
handicap is used repeatedly. I am unqualified to say if it's legally inaccurate 
but again, who cares! 

    I'll finish by echoing Sabrina's earlier sentiments: Life is too short! 
Have fun! 




    Darragh Ã" Héiligh - Technical lead
    Stream EMEA
    Direct Dial:  +353 14400793 
    Ext:               2293
    Stream Practice 8 - "Be responsible for enhancing job knowledge. Pursue 
professional growth and foster a learning environment". 


          "Kealy, Nicky" <Nicky.Kealy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
          Sent by: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
          10/07/2006 02:21 PM Please respond to
                irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 

         To <irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>  
                cc  
                Subject [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices 

                

         



    Darragh, have you a physical disability?  A visual impairment is considered 
a sensory disability but thank you for that explanation.  My question to you as 
I have been asking and you or Edd or Sabrina won't answer it is are you 
handicapped and would you allow someone to call you handicapped?  It is a 
distasteful word that in this day and age there is no excuse for using so get 
rid of it.  Have we no response from NCBI? I am  waiting to get the opportunity 
to talk to the guy that runs the shops to see what he will say to me.  If 
anyone else would like to talk to him that feels the same as me and I am glad 
that I have received private responses from people to indicate that people do 
agree with me you should just take the time to call the office and ask for Mr. 
Martin Kenny.   
      
      
    -----Original Message-----
    From: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
[mailto:irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ed Harper
    Sent: 10 July 2006 14:04
    To: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Subject: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices

    Thanks Darra for this message and the previous, with which I find myself in 
complete agreement.   If prejudice and stereotyping are to be allowed to get 
too much into one's feelings it can act as an impairment to calm thinking and 
successful action too. 
      
    Try being English,  and a goat farmer. 
      
    There is a very good song which includes the line: Your hair maybe black or 
your hair maybe white, there'll always be somebody shocked at the sight. 
      
    Ed 
    -----Original Message-----
    From: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
[mailto:irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of 
Darragh.OHeiligh@xxxxxxxxxx
    Sent: 10 July 2006 13:31
    To: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Subject: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices


    Well, after reading a bit about this word it seems that on its own the word 
handicapped can encompass both physical and mental disabilities. So, to answer 
your question, yes. Visually impaired are physically handicapped.  But, you 
haven't addressed the points that I made in my previous message: Do you really 
care if a very small minority in society do not know the difference between a 
physical and a mental disability? 

    Definitions and other sources of information: 
    Handicapped is an adjective used to refer to a person or animal who is 
partially disabled or unable to use a limb or limbs. The use of this term is 
    sometimes considered offensive, though it is preferable to the derogatory 
term "cripple" or "retard", which is an insult most disabled people find thrown 
    at them at some point in their lives. 

    Refers to the degree of functional limitation resulting from impairment. 
The existence of a handicap depends on the extent to which impairment impedes 
    a person's function. 

    A person who has a congenital or acquired mental or physical defect that 
interferes with normal functioning of the body, or the ability to be self 
sufficient 
    in modern society. 

    A person having a physical or mental impairment, expected to be of long or 
indefinite duration, that substantially limits one (1) or more of such person's 
    major life activities so that person is unable to live independently, or a 
record of having such impairment or being regarded as having such impairment. 


    http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/S/0090/S.0090.197811080008.html 

    http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0313/D.0313.197903290008.html 

    Darragh Ã" Héiligh - Technical lead
    Stream EMEA
    Direct Dial:  +353 14400793 
    Ext:               2293
    Stream Practice 8 - "Be responsible for enhancing job knowledge. Pursue 
professional growth and foster a learning environment". 

          "Kealy, Nicky" <Nicky.Kealy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
          Sent by: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
          10/07/2006 01:15 PM 
                Please respond to
                irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
         
                To <irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>  
                cc  
                Subject [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices 


                

         




    I am sorry but I haven't attacked anyone.  I have expressed annoyance of 
what was written and I am entitled to do that so don't take this too far as 
regards that kind of thing.   
     
    Its a word that doesn't have to be used and people are using it in my name 
and in your name as we are blind and the charity shops in question are run by 
the national council for the blind who are the charity or agency that represent 
blind people so the views of blind people need to be taken into account here.  
Now, are you going to answer my question?  Are you handicapped?  Itas a simple 
yes or no question.   
    -----Original Message-----
    From: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
[mailto:irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of 
Darragh.OHeiligh@xxxxxxxxxx
    Sent: 10 July 2006 13:11
    To: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Subject: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices


    Nicky, I think the point Sabrina was making is that it really doesn't 
matter at the end of the day.  Its only one word. Do you really think peoples 
perceptions will change over such a minor detail? 

    I suppose it comes down to two things. 
    1.  What do the majority of people associate with the word handicapped? 
Would you concede that the meaning you take from that word may be different to 
that held by people who can see because you feel that used in the wrong context 
it could directly impact you? 
    And 2.  Does it really matter what the perceptions of others are just 
because we canâ?Tt see? If someone is going to associate a particular 
perception with a blind 
    Person just because they happen to be blind without taking the time to get 
to know them then their so narrow minded that using handicapped or not using it 
    Makes absolutely no difference.   

    Basically, I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with your point that handicapped 
is an inaccurate word to use in the context of visually impaired. What I think 
    I'm saying is that it doesn't particularly bother me what word they use.  
It is, after all only one word. In certain mediums it can be more destructive 
than others but it doesn't warrant such an outcry of outrage as you've 
demonstrated in your previous messages.  It furthermore doesn't in any way 
necessitate the attack on another list member. 

    I admire your determination to right this alleged wrong but remember who 
your fighting against. 


    Darragh Ã" Héiligh - Technical lead
    Stream EMEA
    Direct Dial:  +353 14400793 
    Ext:               2293
    Stream Practice 8 - "Be responsible for enhancing job knowledge. Pursue 
professional growth and foster a learning environment". 
          "Kealy, Nicky" <Nicky.Kealy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
          Sent by: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
          10/07/2006 12:47 PM 
                Please respond to
                irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 

         
                To <irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>  
                cc  
                Subject [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices 



                

         





    Are you actually serious?  Is this really just one big joke to you?  You
    have been called worse?  Is that acceptable then?  Life is too short you
    say?  Well, if you are going to have that attitude then good luck to
    you.  I personally don't want to be called anything except by ;my proper
    name and I don't want a lable cause I have a visual problem or cause I
    am just blind and I don't have a problem with the word blind.  God,
    think of what you write and how mature or immature it sounds.  So many
    people are striving to have people treated in a correct manner and
    promote proper equality for all and then we see messages and comments
    like this?  Please, you have a right to an opinion and I am all for that
    but think about what you are saying and how much sense you are making.  

    Sorry now if that is a bit harsh but I make no appolagies for it.  

    -----Original Message-----
    >From: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    [mailto:irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Sabrina
    McKiernan
    Sent: 10 July 2006 12:20
    To: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Subject: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices


    doesn't worry me either! sure I've been called worse! ahahaha.. ah
    life's to short!

    have fun,

    Sabrina
    -----Original Message-----
    From: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    [mailto:irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Ed Harper
    Sent: 10 July 2006 10:14
    To: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Subject: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices


    Hi nicky,   As I said earlier I would hate to stop anyone campaigning
    for
    anything they believed in, and I don't mind not being called
    handicapped, but I must admit it doesn't particularly worry me.

    On the otherhand if we are talking about an ideal world and if I had the
    time, I would campaign to remove services for those people needing them,
    which when you think about it includes all the "disabled" the old the
    pregnant the young the sick etc etc etc, from the realm of any kind of
    charities at all.   In my ideal world we would have more control over
    the
    political/economic functions of society and everyone would be in a
    position to rely on society to provide, as of right, the assistance they
    need from time to time, or all the time. It is a historical quirk that
    the "blind" have been the object of charity in many countries, probably
    because we were relatively obvious and at one time greatly feared.

    Good luck with the campaign.

    Ed

    -----Original Message-----
    From: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    [mailto:irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Kealy, Nicky
    Sent: 10 July 2006 09:52
    To: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Subject: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices


    Good morning people, I am glad to see that I have generated a nice
    discussion on this subject although its worrying to me that one or two
    of you will be willing to accept this in my view very negative word to
    be used in adds which are being used to collect money for a charity
    representing visually impaired people.

    I am going to be harsh here but please don't right such rubbish telling
    me that they can right what they want cause it's a charity.  They can
    not.  They are doing all of this to raise money for to provide services
    for blind people and indeed vision impaired people also.  The public
    will be picking up messages from these adds so you do have to be careful
    as to how you put them out.  Can I ask any of you people that think the
    word handicapped is acceptable in some forms are you handicapped? Can
    you honestly tell me that you would like someone referring to you as
    being handicapped?  Is you wouldn't then don't tell me that it is
    acceptable for this leaflet to remain in circulation.  I am not finished
    on this matter yet and am still campaigning for its removal.

    Regards, Nicky.

    -----Original Message-----
    >From: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    [mailto:irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
    martin_osullivan@xxxxxxxxxxx
    Sent: 07 July 2006 11:20
    To: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Subject: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices


    Hi
    I think that we have to move away from the charity model, and then these
    kinds of words will become less relevant.

    >----Original Message----
    >From: sabmckiernan@xxxxxxxxxx
    >Date: Jul 7, 2006 11:01
    >To: <irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
    >Subj: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices
    >
    >Hi,
    >
    >I am sure you all know this but,
    >It is a charity, so by them using the word Handicapped it is, keeping
    up the
    >message of cap in hand. it is keeping up the charity model. after
    all, Mrs.
    >quinns shops are charity shops for the national council for the
    blind.
    >
    >you would use Disability rather than Handicapped?
    >well we are not disabled because we are blind!
    >you see, handicapped doesn't say to me slow, retarded or anything
    like that!
    >Handicapped totally is using the charity model in my view. also, I
    know in
    >the states you still see the term visually handicapped used.
    >
    >well just my opinion.
    >
    >Sabrina
    >-----Original Message-----
    >From: irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    >[mailto:irelandvipnews-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Maria
    >Sent: 06 July 2006 19:06
    >To: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    >Subject: [IrelandVIPNews] Re: Wording on notices
    >
    >
    >    In my opinion disability sounds better than a handicap, but
    that's once
    >again my personal opinion.
    >
    >The alternative terms to a term handicap in our case  might be words
    such as
    >blindness or vision impairment. What do the rest of you think?
    >
    >
    >
    >IrelandVIPNews Mailing list
    >You may want to keep a note of the following addresses:
    >To send a message to the list email:
    >    irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    >To change your options back to normal or unsubscribe Email:
    >     irelandvipnews-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    >with the word Echopost or unsubscribe in the Subject line.
    >To contact the list moderators Email:
    >     irelandvipnews-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    >
    >--
    >Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
    >Checked by AVG Free Edition.
    >Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.6/378 - Release Date:
    28/06/06
    >
    >--
    >Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
    >Checked by AVG Free Edition.
    >Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.6/378 - Release Date:
    28/06/06
    >
    >
    >
    >IrelandVIPNews Mailing list
    >You may want to keep a note of the following addresses:
    >To send a message to the list email:
    >    irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    >To change your options back to normal or unsubscribe Email:
    >     irelandvipnews-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    >with the word Echopost or unsubscribe in the Subject line.
    >To contact the list moderators Email:
    >     irelandvipnews-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    >




    I'm using Vodafone Mail - to get your free mobile email account go to
    http://www.vodafone.ie Use of Vodafone Mail is subject to Terms and
    Conditions http://www.vodafone.ie/terms/website




    IrelandVIPNews Mailing list
    You may want to keep a note of the following addresses:
    To send a message to the list email:
     irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    To change your options back to normal or unsubscribe Email:
      irelandvipnews-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    with the word Echopost or unsubscribe in the Subject line.
    To contact the list moderators Email:
      irelandvipnews-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    ######################################################################
    Attention:
    This e-mail message is privileged and confidential. If you are not the
    intended recipient please delete the message and notify the sender. Any
    views or opinions presented are solely those of the author.

    This email was scanned by NetIQ MailMarshal and has been certified virus
    free with the pattern file currently in use. This however cannot
    guarantee that it does not contain malicious content.
    ######################################################################


    IrelandVIPNews Mailing list
    You may want to keep a note of the following addresses:
    To send a message to the list email:
     irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    To change your options back to normal or unsubscribe Email:
      irelandvipnews-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    with the word Echopost or unsubscribe in the Subject line.
    To contact the list moderators Email:
      irelandvipnews-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx



    --
    No virus found in this incoming message.
    Checked by AVG Free Edition.
    Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.10/383 - Release Date:
    07/07/2006




    IrelandVIPNews Mailing list
    You may want to keep a note of the following addresses:
    To send a message to the list email:
     irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    To change your options back to normal or unsubscribe Email:
      irelandvipnews-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    with the word Echopost or unsubscribe in the Subject line.
    To contact the list moderators Email:
      irelandvipnews-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

    --
    No virus found in this incoming message.
    Checked by AVG Free Edition.
    Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.10/383 - Release Date: 07/07/06

    --
    No virus found in this outgoing message.
    Checked by AVG Free Edition.
    Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.10/383 - Release Date: 07/07/06



    IrelandVIPNews Mailing list
    You may want to keep a note of the following addresses:
    To send a message to the list email:
     irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    To change your options back to normal or unsubscribe Email:
      irelandvipnews-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    with the word Echopost or unsubscribe in the Subject line.
    To contact the list moderators Email:
      irelandvipnews-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    ######################################################################
    Attention: 
    This e-mail message is privileged and confidential. If you are not the 
    intended recipient please delete the message and notify the sender. 
    Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author.

    This email was scanned by NetIQ MailMarshal and has been certified 
    virus free with the pattern file currently in use. This however cannot 
guarantee 
    that it does not contain malicious content.
    ######################################################################


    IrelandVIPNews Mailing list
    You may want to keep a note of the following addresses:
    To send a message to the list email:
     irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    To change your options back to normal or unsubscribe Email:
      irelandvipnews-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    with the word Echopost or unsubscribe in the Subject line.
    To contact the list moderators Email:
      irelandvipnews-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Attention: 
    This e-mail is privileged and confidential. If you are not the
    intended recipient please delete the message and notify the sender.
    Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author. 
    This email was scanned by NetIQ MailMarshal and has been certified virus 
free with the pattern file currently in use. This however cannot guarantee that 
it does not contain malicious content. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Tabhair aire: 
     
    Tá an r-phost seo faoi phribhléid agus faoi rún. 
    Mura tusa an duine a bhí beartaithe leis an teachtaireacht seo a fháil, 
scrios é le do thoil agus cuir an seoltóir ar an eolas. Is leis an údar 
amháin aon dearcaí nó tuairimí a léirítear. 
     
    Scanadh an r-phost seo le NetIQ MailMarshal  agus deimhníodh go raibh sé 
saor ó víoras leis an bpatrúnchomhad atá in úsáid faoi láthair. Ní 
féidir a ráthú leis seo áfach nach bhfuil ábhar mailíseach ann. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Attention: 
    This e-mail is privileged and confidential. If you are not the
    intended recipient please delete the message and notify the sender.
    Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author. 
    This email was scanned by NetIQ MailMarshal and has been certified virus 
free with the pattern file currently in use. This however cannot guarantee that 
it does not contain malicious content. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Tabhair aire: 
      
    Tá an r-phost seo faoi phribhléid agus faoi rún. 
    Mura tusa an duine a bhí beartaithe leis an teachtaireacht seo a fháil, 
scrios é le do thoil agus cuir an seoltóir ar an eolas. Is leis an údar 
amháin aon dearcaí nó tuairimí a léirítear. 
      
    Scanadh an r-phost seo le NetIQ MailMarshal  agus deimhníodh go raibh sé 
saor ó víoras leis an bpatrúnchomhad atá in úsáid faoi láthair. Ní 
féidir a ráthú leis seo áfach nach bhfuil ábhar mailíseach ann. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------





------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease 
of use." - PC Magazine

Other related posts: