I’ve always been skeptical of the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”
Speech and non-verbal communication play powerful roles in our lives, and the words we choose often reveal our true intentions and values.
While virtually all people are affected by limiting labels, individuals living with disabilities seem to be casually disregarded and kept back at an especially alarming rate.
Rather than standing idly by as this subtle injustice continues to run its course, we should make a stand and refuse to accept the limitations our culture has created for those living with disabilities.
Social nuances have attached connotations to virtually every word.
Though some might ascribe positivity to a person or situation, others are negative and potentially degrading by default.
Grown women are often referred to as “girls,” painting them in a less powerful light, while various terms for older adults tend to regard aging as an unwanted thing.
Recent efforts to end the use of the “R-word” show just how powerful a social movement’s effects can be.
As mental health and legal professionals are beginning to remove use of the term “mentally retarded,” our society at large has now grown to reject this term on a grand scale.
In addition to introducing more positive language, this movement has helped call attention to the need for more inclusive and socially aware terminology.
How we describe others and ourselves should not be a reminder of what one cannot do or struggle with.
Instead of referring to someone as crippled or bound to a wheelchair, the use of the phrase “she uses a wheelchair” can go a long way.
In fact, the use of a wheelchair can be viewed as a strength.
The coordination, sense of control and upper-body strength required to pilot a chair is truly impressive.
People of all intellectual capabilities have their own perspectives, experiences and stories to share with the world.
By not labeling a person by their learning disability, disorder, syndrome or mental health issue, we help to facilitate open-minded communication and the exchange of differing ideas.
If we take the time to place ourselves within the reality of a neighbor living with a disability, it becomes clear limiting names and labels can quickly transform into negative self-talk.
We are told time and time again to be the change we wish to see in this world.
Through a conscious effort to remove judgment, exclusion and belittlement from our vocabularies, we can help sow the seeds of a more empowering and inclusive tomorrow.
sjdickma@indiana.edu
@Samuel_Dickman
