Pralhad Gairapipli

People care about the words they use," my friend said in a conversation about empowerment and inclusion. “Good intentions and thoughts are more important than the words,” he added. The incident made this scribe realise that it is necessary to learn about the perspective of people with disabilities and share it with others. The writer of many media articles about people with disabilities, usually promoting some form of inspiration, often confuses us when they claim that the individual somehow “overcame” his or her disability. Why is it that despite doing something that anyone else would celebrate, the focus becomes on overcoming their disability, which in many cases is completely irrelevant? Is it not possible to congratulate people with disabilities for what they have accomplished without mentioning their disability?

Appropriate phrases
There are many conversations and platforms that contain problematic statements for people with disabilities. “An appropriate phrase for someone overcoming a disability is “differently abled.” Unfortunately, this statement holds two very important errors.
Firstly, differently abled isn't the right term for a person with a disability. The term disability isn't offensive to people living with disabilities. Secondly, people with disabilities aren't overcoming their disability. This statement ineptly limits the definition of a disability to the medical model of disability, which focuses on an individual’s functions.

The achievements of people with disabilities should be used to enhance awareness of disability, but without the right wording, this isn't possible. Instead of “overcoming,” writers should describe how a person with disabilities has “challenged” an inaccessible and exclusive society and context.  Fortunately, we’re seeing a shift from the strict medical model of what a disability is to the social model, recognising that a person’s activities are limited not by  their physical condition but by the environment and society.

The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention defines disability as any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities and interact with the world around them. Although “people with disabilities” sometimes refers to a single population, this community is actually a diverse group of people with a wide range of needs. Two people with the same type of disability can be affected in very different ways. Some disabilities may be hidden or not easy to see. Some may be more accepted by societal norms. In many cases, the way we describe and write about disability creates disabling effects in itself, reads a statement at CDC.

People with disabilities prefer to view their experiences from the social model of disability. This means, if they need to overcome anything as a community, it is systemic barriers, discrimination, and misrepresentation — not their disability. Throughout history, language has evolved. Cultural trends and changes have impacted the words we use today. “Language is super important when it comes to identity and community, and how we want to be represented in this world,” says Shiva Acharya, a disability rights expert. “My advice to you would be to never hesitate to use the words disability or disabled. These terms do not embarrass, break, or humiliate us. The actual live experience of disability itself does not embed terms like disability in shame, but rather the practice of changing language does,” Acharya adds.

 “I am a wheelchair user, not a wheelchair bound,” mentions Gajendra Budhathoki, a journalist, on his Twitter. Are you ever curious about what words to avoid while communicating with or about people with disabilities? Simply, put people first. For example: a wheelchair user versus wheelchair-bound, person with autism versus autistic person, person who is hard of hearing versus hearing-impaired.
First and foremost, we are all people, so it makes sense to use language that is people-centred.

Adding the phrase “person who” to your language will make it more compelling. With such changes, you illustrate your commitment to putting individuals before their disabilities. In today's society, the terms “handicapped,” “able-bodied,” “physically challenged,” and “differently abled” are outdated.

You should never use the word “normal” to describe people without disabilities in contrast to people with disabilities. You should instead say “non-disabled.” In this example, do not use “She did just as well on the exam as the normal students.” Instead, use “She did very well on her exam.” The words “victim” or “sufferer” should never be used to describe anyone with a disability or a disease, as they imply helplessness and dehumanise the individual. A person with HIV/ AIDS is not an “AIDS sufferer.” Rather, use “person with HIV/AIDS.”

Dignified terms
Even without realising it, the words we use depict our approach and the mindset we are already bringing to a project, conversation, or relationship. It influences how disabled people are perceived and treated in society. If you are in doubt about what language you should be using, just ask someone from the disability community.

Disability inclusive language choices foster respect, access, autonomy, equity, self-determination, opportunity, inclusion, and interdependence for the disability community. On the official website of the National Federation of the Disabled- Nepal, you will find an overview of dignified terms used in Nepal. “While addressing people with disabilities, knowingly or unknowingly, many of us use undignified and incorrect terminologies. These words will have negative impact on both the personal and professional development of people with disabilities,” reads the statement on the organisation’s website.

(Gairapipli works with Humanity & Inclusion as Regional Communications Officer, covering India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.)