Language has the power to shape the way we see others and, more importantly, how others see themselves. That is the reminder from Merphilus James, president of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), who continues to advocate for the use of disability-inclusive language in everyday speech.
“Dear friends, one of the most interesting aspects of our work as disability rights leaders is to promote disability inclusive language or the correct words and phrases to use when referring to persons with various impairments. Language is an extremely powerful tool. It can be used to build bridges or barriers. It can be used to elevate or demigrate,” James explained.
The United Nations has outlined clear guidelines on disability-inclusive language, emphasising the importance of person-first language, namely putting the person before the disability in speech and writing.
James illustrated: “For example, instead of saying disabled person, say a person with a disability. Instead of saying, a blind person, say a person who is blind. Phrases such as these are stressed on humanity, they enhance dignity and do not focus on identifying someone or people based on their disability.”
Yet, even with good intentions, people often use terms that are outdated or even offensive.
“Here’s a very relatable example. You may have heard phrases like a person who is wheelchair bound or confined to a wheelchair. We have heard such phrases from very well-meaning people, public officials, people in the media, people in society with good intentions, who use phrases like that, which are inaccurate and which may even be offensive to people with various mobility and balance.”
James challenges society to reconsider these common but misguided expressions.
“Think of it, does the phrase ‘bound to a wheelchair’ or ‘confined to a wheelchair’ really capture the reality? A wheelchair is a vital mobility device, which allows a level of freedom to people who use them to experience the world and to move around. So you can never go wrong by using phrases such as ‘a person who uses a wheelchair’ or ‘a wheelchair user’.”
He acknowledges that some of these adjustments may take more words, but stresses the impact they have.
“Yes, some of these phrases may appear longer, but they are correct and they hold human dignity without causing offense. So take the time and invest in improving our language so that we are truly inclusive and empowering and that we welcome all.”
James’s message is a simple and powerful call, to make society more inclusive, it begins with our words.
