Disabled Association Pros & Accessibility Allies

"Euphemisms are, in fact, a denial of reality and a way to avoid talking about disabilities." From the UN Inclusive Language Guidelines:

"Words matter. Undeniably, the language that we use to refer to persons with disabilities has an impact, as it shapes our perception of the world."

• differently abled
  
• people of all abilities
• disAbility
• people of determination (this is in use by governments in some parts of the world)
• special or special needs (if a consultant suggests or uses, it should be a red flag - in ANY dynamic

"differently abled", "people of all abilities", "disAbility" or "people of determination", as they are all euphemistic and can be considered patronizing or offensive.

"differently abled" is problematic because, as some advocates note, we are all differently abled.

"The term "special" used in relation to persons with disabilities is commonly rejected, as it is considered offensive and condescending because it euphemistically stigmatizes that which is different. This term should not be used to describe persons with disabilities, including in expressions such as "special needs" or "special assistance". We recommend more neutral or positive language when possible, such as "tailored assistance". The expression "special education" is also widely used to refer to school programmes, but this term carries negative connotations since it usually refers to segregated education."

• How many of these are you reading/hearing?
• When is the last time you reviewed your organization's disability language?
• How many of these are in use by your consultants, trainers, or in your organization's training materials?
• Have you considered adding disability language to your organization's style guide?

This was just about disability euphemisms as a starter. 

An amuse-bouche if you will.

Comments in parentheticals are my own.

https://www.ungeneva.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/Disability-Inclusive-Language-Guidelines.pdf

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Samantha Evans, CAE, ICE-CCP, MBA (she/her)
The Accessible CAE
sam.evans@accessibilityassociation.org
Certification Director
Intl. Assoc. of Accessibility Professionals, a division of G3ict
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My wife has MS and uses a wheelchair all the time. She is OK with the words "disabled" and handicapped."

She does not like phrases like "differently abled"  or words and phrases that appear to make it sound like she is not disabled.

The absolute worst word to use is "crippled."

David, 

Good to see you here. One of the big misconceptions is that people who are sometimes users of wheelchairs vs. full time wheelchair users. Their use of an assistive device is no less useful for part-time/sometime wheelchair use. Glad your wife has access to use a wheelchair!

Ideally we ask individuals, but organizations have to choose their language styles just like they do branding colors/displays. Handicapped is still in use in many places and isn't meant to undermine human or civil rights. 

Some folks haven't yet approached how language affects disabled people and the perception of disabled people.

I think the strongest point in the UN piece is why euphemisms exist, it's fear of the unknown. And in that fear based gap, is where inclusion efforts and even the most polite efforts can undermine access, equity, and rights. 

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Samantha Evans, CAE, ICE-CCP, MBA (she/her)
The Accessible CAE
sam.evans@accessibilityassociation.org
Certification Director
Intl. Assoc. of Accessibility Professionals, a division of G3ict
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Thank you, @Samantha Evans, ICE-CCP, CAE, for this. Language leads to misperceptions. Organizations have power to both accommodate and to help change negative perceptions that are drawn from euphemisms. And @David Patt, CAE, unlike your wife, I who use a mobility device do not want to be thought of as "handicapped".  "Disabled" for me is fine. 

Jamie Shields and Meryl Evans, among others, who can be followed on LinkedIn, have posted great graphics and explanations about language and its use. Jamie's graphics can be purchased for downloading and display here. I get nothing except hope for posting links to them or their work. It would be great for there to be more consideration for language and even more for how people are included.

Joan