Advocacy in word as well as deed.

S ince the early days of the profession, occupational therapists have endorsed a humanistic philosophy that values individual choice, engagement in productive activity, and the right to self-fulfillment and equal opportunity for each individual. These values are evident in occupational therapy s rvices and in the multiple advocacy roles that therapists assume. Many therapists have been strong advocates for pati fitS' rights through (a) su pport of the independent living movemem, (b) con tributions to public education, and (c) participation in the political arena. In spite of these efforts, disabled persons still confront conditions that prevent their full participation in society. Role fulfillment for such persons may be limited by prejudicial attitudes that continue to be prevalent in our society, people's lack of awareness of Jisability issues, their insensitivity to the individual needs of disabled persons, and the imprecise use of language. In this say, in an attempt to direct a more effective advocacy role for occupational therapists, attention is given to the shaping of prejudicial attitudes and th linguistic errors that help perpetuate these attitudes.