THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September, 2, 1994 TAG: 9408310146
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
Barbara Brabham of Chesapeake is handicapped - and not just by the polio she contracted in infancy.
She is handicapped by the narrow-minded prejudice of what has come to be known as ``political correctness.''
Mrs. Brabham and her son, Caleb, have written a delightful book for children titled ``My Mom is Handicapped.'' It describes a young boy's efforts to come to terms with his mother's physical disability.
The Deep Creek High School teacher has generously offered to donate a portion of the proceeds of the publishing venture to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Officials of the charity are willing to accept the money, but they have told Mrs. Brabham that they will not recommend or endorse the book.
They are concerned that using the word ``handicapped'' in the title might be considered offensive to people who have physical disabilities.
They would not budge from that position even after Mrs. Brabham explained that young readers can more easily understand the word ``handicapped'' than its more politically correct synonyms, ``disabled'' and ``physically challenged.''
Our dictionary defines ``handicap'' as ``something that hampers a person; disadvantage; hindrance.'' That definition describes quite aptly Mrs. Brabham's dealings with the people who run the association.
Their thinking - to put it in a way they'll understand - is rationally challenged. by CNB