OPINION: The term “differently abled” was initially intended to promote positivity and inclusivity, but it has faced criticism from the disability community and advocates.
EUPHEMISMS such as “differently abled,” “challenged,” and “handi-capable” are often intended to soften perceptions of disability, but they risk doing the opposite. These terms can feel patronising and condescending, reinforcing harmful stereotypes instead of promoting the respect and inclusivity they are intended to encourage. By avoiding the term “disability,” society perpetuates the idea that it is something shameful or to be hidden. It’s time to listen to the voices within the disability community and embrace language that acknowledges the reality of disability with dignity and precision.
WHY “DIFFERENTLY ABLED” MISSES THE MARK
A euphemism that skirts reality:
By dancing around the term “disability”, “differently abled” can imply there’s something inherently wrong with having a disability. This sidestep can fuel the stigma it aims to avoid, reinforcing stereotypes rather than breaking them down. Disabilities aren’t something to be glossed over with softer language; they’re a part of the fabric of human diversity.
A term born outside the community:
Authentic representation means centring the voices of people with disabilities and letting them define how they are described. The term “differently abled” was promoted by individuals outside the disability community, undermining the right of those within the community to choose the language that represents them. Moreover, the phrase is overly broad – after all, every human being is “differently abled” in some way, whether it’s the ability to play tennis or the inability to hold a racket.
An Oversimplified View:
Disability isn’t a monolithic experience. People with disabilities have diverse experiences and needs, influenced by the type and severity of their disability, as well as by other intersecting aspects of their identity. Labelling all of this as “differently abled” fails to capture this complexity.
A patronising tone:
Many people with disabilities have voiced that “differently abled” often feels patronising and paternalistic. It can sound like a well-meaning but ultimately belittling attempt to wrap disability in a more palatable package. People with disabilities don’t need euphemisms – they need genuine respect, equality, and inclusion.
THE POWER OF ACCURATE LANGUAGE
Person-first language, like “person with a disability,” emphasises the individual, respecting their humanity and worth beyond any labels. This approach moves away from defining people by a single aspect of their identity, which is essential to fostering inclusion and understanding.
Words matter. Language can either amplify dignity or diminish it, especially when discussing identity. When we use straightforward terms like “disability” or phrases like “person with a disability,” we’re choosing accuracy, respect, and empowerment. “Disability” is a neutral, precise term that acknowledges reality without imposing judgment.
Using accurate and respectful language isn’t just a linguistic preference; it’s an issue of social justice. Preferred terms, like “disability” and “person with a disability,” respect individuals’ identities, support true inclusivity, and foster empowerment. They also challenge society to acknowledge disability in all its facets, rather than erasing it under vague, euphemistic language.
Let’s stop hiding behind feel-good terms and instead listen to the voices of the disability community. Words like “disability” carry weight and dignity when used respectfully. Embracing this language shift is a small but significant step toward creating a more inclusive world.
As one person aptly put it:
“We have impairments, but society disables us through their attitudes and by placing barriers in the environment. These barriers not only cause frustration but also limit our freedom of choice. Living with a disability is not shameful, but it is stressful and often an economic burden on the individual and their family.”
Resources: For further reading on respectful language and the rights of people with disabilities, consider the World Health Organization (WHO) Disability and Health resources, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the South African White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
* In South Africa, Disability Rights Awareness Month is observed each year from November 3 to December 3. It provides an important opportunity to spotlight the rights and potential of individuals with disabilities and to push for meaningful societal changes that ensure true inclusion. This month is not only about raising awareness but also about confronting the real challenges that people with disabilities face – challenges that often go unnoticed by the broader public.
