Whereas, American Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas including descriptive language, changing "the Handicapped" to "people with disabilities," "individuals with disabilities," and "the disabled"; and
Whereas, the state laws of many states have adopted for all agencies, boards, or commissions the "people first" language when referring to people with disabilities; and
Whereas, this language is more respectful to the dignity of the individual and does not describe the medical malady, and the goal of inclusiveness should begin in recognizing that individuals with disabilities are "people first" with rights, aspirations and talents possessed by all of us; and
Whereas, empowerment, inclusiveness, and healing begins with the way we refer to ourselves and each other;
Therefore, be it resolved, that all church documents, agencies, boards or commissions, and local churches will use "people first" language; and
Be it further resolved, that the wording in The Book of Discipline be changed, and that anywhere the phrase "Mentally, Physically, and Psychologically Handicapping Conditions" appears it be changed to "individuals with disabilities," or "people with disabilities," where applicable.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20304-CO-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference