Why the words we choose matter when describing disability

Today, 3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Corine Sheratte discusses the importance of language when it comes to disability inclusion.

Our words matter in the workplace as well as to society at large. Many people have chosen to remain silent out of “fear” of getting things wrong.

We should educate ourselves so that we can mitigate the negative effects of our words.

This is critical to ensure that what we say, and how we say it, engenders a working environment where minority/marginalised groups feel a greater sense of belonging and inclusion. We often have good intentions when we say things, but we don’t always know when our words could hurt someone else.

Small but dangerous

Microaggressions are a common way that non-inclusive language is expressed. They can be small, subtle and well-intentioned, but they may also be harmful.

If they occur frequently, it can have a negative impact on productivity, culture and wellbeing.

Those with disabilities often experience micro-aggressions in their everyday lives. Disabled people are often subjected to widespread discrimination, and even oppression, because of the ableist language that society uses.

Ableism is defined as “stereotypes that are held about people with disabilities and act as barriers to prevent them from reaching their full potential as citizens”.

Some of the most common expressions and habits we use can be barriers to disabled people. They can have a stifling effect on people who take pride in their disability and see it as an integral part of their identity.

This ableist language could include phrases like “turning a deaf ear” or “turning a blank eye”.

These embedded ableist expressions conceal the reality of the situations they describe, while reinforcing stereotypes.

As an example, “turning a blank eye” implies being blind as an involuntary condition. However, turning a blank eye is a deliberate choice to pretend to not notice certain situations.

This shows how ableist language can be used to marginalise and oppress those with disabilities or those who could become disabled, whether through ageing or an accident or health issues.

Phasing out ableist language

Organizations should align themselves with the social models of disability which states that people are disabled because of barriers in society and not by their impairments or differences.

To become an inclusive and accessible society, we must change our perception of disability and be more accountable for removing the barriers that people face.

It all starts by being more aware of the impact of our words on minorities.

It is not just what we say but also how we say it. Disability-confident people tend to:

• Encourage a positive and inclusive language about disability while acknowledging and respecting the language people prefer.
• When addressing language issues, be guided by the higher purpose of their network to identify and remove organisational and individual barriers.
• Do not let language concerns prevent you from taking action to improve the lives of your disabled colleagues.

We may make mistakes in our language as the language changes, but collaborating and working with Disability & Accessibility Inclusion Networks and colleagues who have a disability is a crucial part of facilitating inclusion and a sense of belonging.

It starts by being deliberate and asking questions in an environment that is psychologically safe, avoiding preconceived notions about people with disabilities, as well as considering whether the words we use could increase a sense of oppression.

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