There is a term that has somehow pervaded virtually all of the responses to disability needs in social models of disability in society. That term is special. It is often extended with the term persons with special needs; which in turn frequently becomes extrapolated for use in a medical context in reference to disability, and, then somehow winds its way into charitableness towards persons with circumstances of disability.
Definitions of special include:
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1. Surpassing what is common or usual; exceptional: a special occasion;
2. Distinct among others of a kind;
3. Peculiar to a specific person or thing; particular;
4. Having a limited or specific function, application, or scope; arranged for a particular occasion or purpose;
5. Regarded with particular affection and admiration.
With every due respect to the authors and promoters of the term special, given the connotations associated with the above definitions, does this terminology not seem to them to be contrary to the very reason for its application to disability response models in the first place; ie., to foster the full inclusion of all persons irrespective of circumstances of disability. And for that matter, what happens to a person living with circumstances of disability who prefers to not have their accommodation needs labelled as special?
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