The Power of Language: Why Respectful Communication is Key for Individuals with Disabilities – Part 1

For many individuals with a disability, the biggest barriers they face are not necessarily their physical or psychological disabilities. In fact, their worst barriers come from other people’s stereotypes as well as unwelcoming buildings, restrooms, vehicles, and steps they need to negotiate. In other words, their worst barriers are external.

Learning to work with these individuals in a respectful manner will go a long way to creating an inclusive environment. 

The Disability Rights Movement: A Brief History

The Disability Rights Movement is a social and political movement that advocates for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.

The movement has a long and complex history that started as early as the 1800s as you can see below. Some of the major milestones include

• Early 1800s: The traditional moral attitude was: You take care of the disabled.
• 1880s: Institutionalize the disabled in large centers.
• 1880s-1920s: Involuntary confinement and sterilization.
• 1930s: Rehabilitation for some. Roosevelt, who uses a wheelchair, is elected president.
• 1940s: World War II opens doors to disabled workers due to a labor shortage.
• 1950s: Focus is shifted to rehabilitation and adaptation to the environment.
• 1960s: Disabled rights advocates start fighting to change the environment through the Urban Mass Transportation Act and Architectural Barriers Act to encourage access.
• 1970s: Federal law requires access and accommodation for employees.
• 1980s: Independent Living Movement; Air Carriers Access Act.
• 1990s: Federal ADA requires access and accommodation from most employers and nearly all buildings.
• Late 2000s: Congress passes ADA Amendment Act to restore protection of the ADA.

As you can see, for decades people with disabilities faced discrimination and institutionalization. Many were confined to institutions, where they were subject to neglect, abuse, and inhumane treatment. In response to these injustices, disability advocates began to organize and demand change.

In fact, people with disabilities began to challenge the medical model of disability, which viewed disability as a personal tragedy or a medical problem to be fixed; instead, disability advocates argued that disability was a social and political issue, caused by societal barriers and discrimination.

It wasn’t until The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which passed in 1990 and became fully effective in 1994, that comprehensive protections against discrimination for people with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, and other areas were established.

Despite significant progress, though, the Disability Rights Movement continues to face challenges and obstacles. Many people with disabilities still face discrimination and barriers to full participation in society.

However, the movement has made significant strides in raising awareness about disability rights and advocating for change. 

Five Steps for Ensuring a Respectful Interaction

When it comes to talking about disabilities, there are some general guidelines that can help ensure respectful and inclusive communication. Here are a few key considerations:

1. Avoid stereotypes. Don't assume that all people with a particular disability are the same or have the same experiences. Each person's experience is unique, and it's important to listen to their individual stories and perspectives. 
2. Use person-first language to emphasize the person rather than their disability. For example, say "a person with a disability" instead of "a disabled person." 
3. Avoid language that is derogatory or implies that people with disabilities are inferior. This includes words like "handicapped," "dumb," or "retarded." 
4. When discussing someone's disability, focus on their abilities and strengths rather than their limitations. Emphasize what the person can do rather than what they can't. 
5. Ask before helping. If you want to help someone with a disability, always ask first. Don't assume that someone needs help or that you know what kind of help they need. We will dive deeper into this topic next week.

By following these general guidelines, you can help ensure a respectful interaction when working with someone with a  disability. 

Words That Are No Longer Acceptable When Referring to Individuals with a Disability

As society becomes more inclusive and aware of the importance of respectful language, some words or phrases that were once commonly used to describe individuals with disabilities are now considered outdated and offensive. For example,

Handicapped, Disabled person, Crippled, Retarded, Special needs, Invalid,

Mentally handicapped, Dumb, Suffers from a disability, Abnormal, Victim

Wheelchair-bound, Afflicted with, Spastic.

The words we use to describe individuals with disabilities matter. According to the World Health Organization, the disability community is the largest minority group in the world. In fact, around 10% of the world’s population (about 790 million people) live with a disability, making them the largest minority group in the world.

When communicating with or talking about people with disabilities, it is important to use respectful and inclusive language. Use person-first language and focus on the person's abilities rather than their limitations. You should use language that respects their dignity and individuality.

In the Table below, you will find some words and phrases that are more respectful. 

As a general rule, avoid terms such as suffers from, victims of, and stricken with. That is because they tend to connote “pity.” So, instead of saying “Mary suffers from muscular dystrophy,” use more neutral language such as “Mary has/is living with muscular dystrophy.”

In next week’s blog, I will touch upon some myths and realities as well as specific strategies for working more effectively with persons with disability. I will also provide some self-awareness activities that you can share with your staff.