What do I say?
WORDS ARE IMPORTANT.
So, when I received an email about speaking about persons with disabilities, I was glad to respond. My friend Fidelis emailed me with the following question:
“Karen, are the words ‘handicaps’ and ‘disabilities’ both equally appropriate? Should there be a qualifier with either or both such as ‘physical’ handicaps or disabilities? I just received an email asking about which words to use when referring to a person with a disability.”
That is a wonderful question. Mark Twain said, “The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between the lightning and a lightning bug.”
Words are important, and language is constantly changing to represent reality. Think of buying a “previously owned” car instead of a “used car.” Is your neighbor “old” or “mature”? The new term to describe people without food is “food insecure.” Journalists choose words that represent their beliefs—an “insurrection” or a “protest”?
The Disability Rights Movement advocates for positive changes in society. These changes include equal rights under the law and equal access to housing and employment. It could also mean improving how people with disabilities are talked about in places like the media or in everyday conversations. The use of language and words describing people with disabilities has changed over time. It’s important that people are aware of the meaning behind the words they use when talking to, referring to, or working with the Disability Community. Disrespectful language can make people feel excluded and can be a barrier to full participation. This is a guide to using respectful words and language.
Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words to talk about people with disabilities. Often, we feel a bit uncomfortable because we do not know how to talk about a friend who has cancer, a cousin who lives with autism, or people with emotional disorders. So, what is the “politically correct” way to address these disabilities?
The bottom line is to use language that puts people first.
That is why when we want to speak about persons with disabilities, we should strive to be accurate. A person should not be described by their disability. Instead of saying “She is a diabetic,” say “She lives with diabetes”; or “Jim uses a wheelchair,” not “Jim is wheelchair bound.” A wheelchair is not confining; it provides mobility to those who cannot walk. A person uses a wheelchair.
Instead of saying a friend is “mentally disabled,” use the appropriate clinical term—a person with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Do not use terms like “insane,” “lunatic,” “mad,” or “crazy.”
We should not use the term handicap to define a disability; however, this term can be used to describe the obstacles that restrict a person’s participation. For example, a person can be handicapped by lack of accessible transportation. The term “accessible” is appropriate for parking, entryways, or bathrooms. The bottom line is to use “people-first” language.
The expression “politically correct,” or PC, came about in the 1970s and was intended to mean inclusive. It referred to the use of language that would not cause an individual of any demographic (social, physical, or cultural) to feel excluded, offended, or diminished.
If you are not certain how to address a person with a disability, ask them. See if they want you to use language like “my friend, Jim, who is blind.” They probably are the best resource and know their health status the best. There are several resources to help with accurate language when speaking
There are several resources to help with accurate language when speaking about a person with a disability. Check out:
• Disability Language Guide—Disability at Stanford https://disability.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj1401/f/disability-language-guide-stanford_1.pdf
• Here are some Dos and Don’ts of Disability Language—Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2020/09/30/here-are-some-dos-and-donts-of-disability-language/?sh=2029da25d170
• Choosing words for Talking about Disability—The American Psychological Association https://www.apa.org/pi/disability/resources/choosing-words
Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio. Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the mission of the Sisters St. Francis. She can be reached at kzielins@sistersosf.org or 419-824-3543.
