Healing Helpers advocates the use of "people first" language. In the field of education, and among those who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the development of children, the labeling of children whether it be "special ed.," "foster," "at risk," "abused," "drug endangered," or any other stigmatizing reference is viewed as being exploitive, demeaning, and as having implications that may extend over the course of a child's life. Although, we are not speaking of a medical diagnoses, the following phrase seems appropriate--
"Words are powerful. Old, inaccurate descriptors and the inappropriate use of medical diagnoses perpetuate negative stereotypes and reinforce a significant and an incredibly powerful attitudinal barrier. "

Excerpted from People First Language by Kathie Snow, www.disabilityisnatural.com; used with permission of the author.