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  • Writer's pictureGenesiz C

Disability Is Not a Bad Word!



(overlapping colorful image of various people using different mobility aids)


Hello, Lovelies!


I just want to discuss the word Disabled.

As a Disabled Person, I have heard many terms 'abled' people try to use to describe a disabled person.

Terms such as "Differently-abled", "Handicapable", "Para-abled," "Inter-abled", "person with disabilities", etc.

Please don't use words like this because you think they come across as more friendly, or cutesy, or you think it's a better choice.

There is a lot of actual stigma and fear about using the word Disabled.

For some reason, this word comes across as if it were a spell or curse to people who are able-bodied.

When other phrases are created to use instead of just addressing the person as disabled, this causes some frustration in the disabled community.

This is usually because people tend to use "person-first" language instead of "identity-first" language which is actually more harmful than helpful. This is a NO-NO! Please stop doing this! I feel people do this for a lack of understanding, they aren't educated enough, on the disability at hand or the disabled community.

People often believe it is the more polite way or the more preferred way to address a disabled person with person-first t language as they believe it is more respectful.

What people fail to realize, is the simple fact that most Disabled people will tell you that their Disabilities are a huge part of who they are, not by defining them or holding them back but as it has helped mold them into the person they are today. When you are disabled, your disability is the mega center of your whole life. You learn how to adapt every day so you can live as normally as possible.

Being disabled myself I am not afraid to claim it! Why? Well because it has taught me to become adaptive, to see things from a different world view, and taught me things that I never would have learned otherwise.

It shouldn't be that you have to put such emphasis on the fact that I am a person but of course, I wouldn't want someone to say " Lupus lady" or "Deaf lady" or anything like that...Obviously, it's common manners but I'm fine with acknowledging the fact that yes I'm disabled.

There have been strides in trying to make things more accessible, but there is a long way to go! There must be more awareness and more consciousness about our spaces and disabled language.

Remember honestly, If you are confused about how to address a disabled person, just ask. 😉



_Stay Lovely_





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