Why does Language matter?
What does “quibbling over ‘disabled people’ versus ‘people with disabilities’ is a diversion from making common cause to promote the inclusion and rights of disabled people” mean?
It means that the change of words does not interpret to the change of attitudes or actions of people.
What does “Some stories enhance life and others degrade it so we must be careful about the stories we tell.” mean?
It means that the language we use may highlight weaknesses or disabilities that might make someone feel positioned in a less category.
The Labeling Problem: Disadvantages of Labeling:
Explain “Stigmas”
Explain “Stereotypes”
Instant gratification
can be true or false, or positive or negative
“gen z cannot have a long term commitment”
“Men are less emotional”
Explain “The Spread Phenomenon”
Assuming a characteristic about someone because of …
- eg. If you are good in that sport, you should be able to be good in all sports”
- “Disabled people are not interested in sport”
- “A person is not smart because of their reading impairment”
Explain “Negative Self-fulfilling Prophesies”
Labeling Exceptions: Advantages of Labeling:
Explain “Facilitate Communication”
Talking too much or too little about the issue
Explain “Access funding”
Disabled kids get funding for their disability, but sometimes they have to prove that they are actually disabled to get enough funding for their situation
Explain “Receive treatment”
Procedure, diagnosis, performed treatments.
Explain “Access programs”
Eg. The Steadward center, generalized understanding to accept people that were denied access in the past, in physical activity centers.
May not have the capabilities to accept complex situations.
Explain “Sports classification”
Labeling used for positioning of people with specific expertise or level.
Eg. Boxing and class drop weight to fight/ compete against less
Define “Euphemism”:
one expression is used to replace another
Example of Euphemism:
- crappy couch for sale –>
well-used couch
Example of Euphemism:
- old people –>
seniors
Example of Euphemism:
- go away –>
I need some me time
Example of Euphemism:
- Bathroom –>
Restroom
Example of Euphemism:
- You are fired –>
You are let go, you are laid off
An Example of Euphemistic Language
English Language Disability Terminologies: Considering Historical and Theoretical Contexts
The more obvious you are from the norm, the more you are perceived as in-ordinary.
Rights Based Model: Person-First Language Example:
e.g. “person with a disability,” “person with multiple sclerosis,” “person without a disability”
In the Rights Based Model: Person-First Language Model, disability is viewed as: