My Diagnoses In NOT An Adjective

Local Phoenix disability advocates company, DK Advocates, believes that all too often people throw around medical diagnoses as adjectives-- "You're so bipolar", "I'm so OCD", but lack understanding of the negative impact their word choice can have on a person. It's time to take a stand and fight the stigma.

My Diagnoses in NOT an Adjective

Breanna Wandrych

Local Phoenix employment services company, DK Advocates, launched a campaign to take a stand against the stigmas of mental illness and disabilities.




Today, they began the campaign with a blog post



"Today, and during this series, I am giving the public the benefit of the doubt; instead of assuming people are insensitive and hurtful on purpose, I am choosing to believe they simply aren't educated. Just like how we don’t use the word “retarded” to mean stupid or lame, we are also not going to use certain other words to describe people. Why? Because they aren't adjectives."



With that said, the disability employment specialist went on to dispel hearsay and common assumptions about Bipolar Disorder (BPD) as part of the 10 part blog series.



"By reducing someone's behavior to an assumption of a disorder diminishes the public perception of the validity of those that are actually diagnosed. Furthermore, using the adjective to describe someone who has been diagnosed isn't good either! The diagnoses does not define the person."



DKA's mission is to help people contribute to their community.



Dot Kret started DKA more than 25 years ago because she believes that everyone has something valuable to contribute to our community. Today, they continue to help people get jobs that enrich their lives and allow them to make our community better. Their compassionate, qualified staff provides support to people from ages 16 to 80 who are unemployed, have limited work experience, or find it difficult to qualify for the jobs they want. Their programs are free, and our DKA team is always ready to answer questions, help identify skills, offer suggestions, and give encouragement.



By working closely with their clients to build their work skills, life skills, and real-world job experience, what they're really building is their confidence, independence, and self-esteem – the foundation for any job.




Spread the word using #NotAnAdjective and show your support for those fighting a battle that can't be seen.".

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