Don't define people by their disabilities

As a loyal reader of the Daily Herald and a teacher in the community, I was very concerned after reading the article entitled "Sesame Street welcomes autistic character."

One of the first things any teacher learns when he or she takes an introductory-level special education course in college is about the idea of "people first language." This concept means that individuals with disabilities not be defined by that disability; rather, they should be known as people first.

Individuals with disabilities should be known for who they are first - boys, girls, students, sons, daughters, etc. In other words, we should not refer to a boy who is blind as a "blind boy." He should be recognized as a boy first and foremost.

With this knowledge, I was surprised and disappointed to see that the author of this article, a journalist from The Washington Post no less, omitted the use of people first language in his article published in the Daily Herald on Oct. 26.

The headline of the article states "Sesame Street welcomes autistic character," when in fact the correct use of people first language would dictate the article be titled "Sesame Street welcomes character with autism."

While I certainly commend the writers of Sesame Street for making this important topic available to children at very young ages through their TV program, it is imperative that all individuals understand the importance of defining individuals as people, not by the differences or disabilities that may challenge them.

While I realize some may see this as simply a case for semantics, we must educate all individuals to be sensitive to the needs of all.

Amy Salus

Arlington Heights