😒 Cognitive ability -
Fuels preconceived notions about cognitive ability

An illustration of Witty shows the phrase 'Sorry, but that plan's just dumb [reckless].’ The words in brackets are shown as alternatives.

Cognitive ability can be reduced due to several reasons:

  • age 
  • genetic defect (like Down Syndrome)
  • education level
  • brain injury
  • exposure to pesticides or toxins
  • physical inactivity
  • chronic conditions such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer
  • and others

Society has found many terms to describe the different cognitive disabilities. Many of them have a negative connotation and are used randomly. The people affected by such disabilities keep being pigeonholed in those outdated stereotypes. 

What can you do?

Michael J. Fox is a world-known actor (if you don't know him, please watch "Back to the Future") who was diagnosed with Parkinson at age 29. He stopped working as an actor in 2000 and founded the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson's research

At age 51, he decided to return to full-time acting. 

Why do we tell you all this? People with cognitive disabilities should not be put into pigeonholes. Each one of them has skills, talents and preferences. We owe them respect and support. Also in our language.