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."

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David M. Patt, CAE
President
Association Executive Management
Skokie IL
(847) 254-6528
www.aem-patt.com

Original Message:
Sent: Jan 25, 2024 07:04 PM
From: Samantha Evans
Subject: Condescending disability euphemisms to avoid from the United Nations Disability-Inclusive Language Guidelines

"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

------------------------------
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
------------------------------

"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

------------------------------
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
------------------------------