I thought I would share a poem that was sent to me:
THE RIGHT WORDS
I'd like you to choose carefully, the words you might say
When you see my child in the general day to day
He is a darling boy who happens to have Down's syndrome
The result of a small chemical accident and an extra chromosome
But dont call him Downs Baby, A Downs or Downs Boy
It makes him sound like a different breed, an animal or stuffed toy!
And please dont make judgements like a book by its cover,
Like all other children, hes very different from any other,
Dont offer some generalised statement thats patronising and might go....
He'll be so loving and cuddly
How on earth do you know?!
It might not be easy to say words that dont offend
So just be honest and considerate so together we can mend
Societys choice of words - because we need to emphasise that
Your words do make a difference to
the way we feel inside.
So lets get it right
He is a boy with Downs
Not a Downs boy
Remember the other way around!!
Hes a human like you, with just a little bit more
And if we were all the same,
Wouldnt life be a bore?
Do please share this poem with others that you know
So down the road to 'thoughtful language'
We can all humbly go
And if you're a professional or involved in any way,
You're in the forefront of our campaign,
Get it right
WATCH WHAT YOU SAY!!!
<o:p> </o:p>
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