Sage-Tips

Where did the term special needs come from?

In the United States “special needs” is a legal term applying in foster care, derived from the language in the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. It is a diagnosis used to classify children as needing “more” services than those children without special needs who are in the foster care system.

Are special needs disabilities?

“Special needs” is about education “disability” is about your body, your brain, your senses being wired and tapped in a unique way. I have a hunch that it’s more than this, of course, as used by parents of kids with disabilities. “Special needs” has a softer sound to it.

Who have special needs?

Special-needs children include those who have: Mental Retardation, which causes them to develop more slowly than other children. Speech and Language Impairment, such as a problem expressing themselves or understanding others. Physical Disability, such as vision problem, cerebral palsy, or other conditions.

Is special needs an offensive term?

Don’t use the terms “handicapped,” “differently-abled,” “cripple,” “crippled,” “victim,” “retarded,” “stricken,” “poor,” “unfortunate,” or “special needs.” It is okay to use words or phrases such as “disabled,” “disability,” or “people with disabilities” when talking about disability issues.

Why is the term handicapped offensive?

The 1964 Americans Civil Rights Act gave inspiration to people with disabilities. By the 1970’s changes were developing and terms like cripple, lame, gimp and a host of others became offensive terms because they focused on a person’s deficits rather than the person themselves.

Is special needs the correct term?

Use the term “disability,” and take the following terms out of your vocabulary when talking about or talking to people with disabilities. Don’t use the terms “handicapped,” “differently-abled,” “cripple,” “crippled,” “victim,” “retarded,” “stricken,” “poor,” “unfortunate,” or “special needs.”

What is another word for special needs?

What is another word for special needs?

disability	impairment
detriment	invalidity
ill health	impotence
handicap	learning disability
physical disability	restriction

What is the politically correct term for special education?

The term “handicapped” has been replaced by the more politically-correct term “disabled.” The same is true for “Exceptional Education.” This has become the more politically-correct term for “Special Education.” “Special Education” and “Exceptional Education” are typically used interchangeably.

What do you call special needs students?

Being referred to as a “special needs student” or “disabled child” is likely to make a young person feel he or she has challenges that cannot be overcome. Instead, being referred to as a child with special needs or a child with a disability is referencing their condition and not labeling their esteem.

What is correct term for disabled?

Term Now Used: disabled person, person with a disability. Term no longer in use: the handicapped. Term Now Used: disabled person, person with a disability. Term no longer in use: mental handicap. Term Now Used: intellectual disability.

Is impairment a bad word?

Never use the term “impaired.” Use terms such as “low vision,” “hard of hearing” or “uses a wheelchair” instead. Though it may be used in legal contexts, the word “impaired” can be offensive, as it implies damage. Many people with disabilities do not see themselves as damaged, but simply as different.

What’s another word for special needs?

What is the correct definition of special needs?

plural noun. : any of various difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation) students with special needs.

When did special needs education become a thing?

The National Center on Disability and Journalism says special needs “was popularized in the U.S. in the early 20th century during a push for special needs education to serve people with all kinds of disabilities.” Data shows it permeated the public consciousness over the last few decades.

Is ‘special needs’ a derogatory term?

Jamie Davis Smith, whose daughter is disabled, points out that people with disabilities are entitled to certain rights as a result – from movie theater seating to Medicaid and more. “Special needs” doesn’t offer the same legal protections. “Special needs” has actually become a “dysphemism” – a derogatory term as opposed to a softer one.

Are children with disabilities really special needs?

“Never once are children with disabilities or adults with disabilities referred to as children with special needs or adults with special needs,” according to the study. “Rather, individuals with disabilities are always referred to in U.S. law as individuals with disabilities.”