Changing the Conversation: Language Matters
Sep 24, 2018, 11:00 AM
I can’t believe AADE18 in Baltimore is already one month behind us! It was an amazing meeting with wonderful general sessions, a wide variety of quality breakout sessions, a jam-packed exhibit hall, interesting posters, and fabulous social opportunities. But, I have to say that the one thing I was most excited about was the showing of the video “Changing the Conversation: Language Matters.”
AADE and diabetes educators have been able to push the importance of using neutral, non-judgmental language when talking with or about a person with diabetes. The Use of Language in Diabetes Care and Education publication first arrived on the scene in the December 2017 edition of Diabetes Care as a joint effort from AADE the American Diabetes Association. This was a great step in letting others know that when talking with or about a person with diabetes, words matter. AADE created two companion pieces including Speaking the Language of Diabetes and Media Guide: The Power of Language in Reporting on Diabetes.
Before the general sessions at AADE18, a video was shown on the big screens; a microlearning video created by Mytonomy about Changing the Conversation Because Language Matters. The video was a blend of diabetes health care professionals and individuals with diabetes. I was so fortunate to be included in this wonderful production along with many of our peers. I have watched it so many times and just can’t get over how wonderful it is!
If you haven’t had a chance to see the video, please take a few minutes to watch it. If you have seen it, watch it again and share it with others! Show it, tweet it, link to it, enjoy it, and get the word out that LANGUAGE MATTERS!
About the Author
AADE President-elect Karen Kemmis is a physical therapist and certified diabetes educator, and also holds certifications in Pilates for rehabilitation and exercise for aging adults. She is based out of SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY and splits her time between a Joslin Diabetes Center affiliate, an outpatient rehabilitation department, and a PT program where she is an adjunct professor.
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