Floyd Morris | Language-disability and society

Words matter. Undeniably, the language that we use to refer to persons with disabilities has an impact, as it shapes our perception of the world. This language has evolved over time, and terms that were commonly used some years ago are no longer acceptable.

It is therefore important to raise awareness about language that it is appropriate to use when talking to or about persons with disabilities. Inappropriate language can make people feel excluded or offend them and can be a barrier to full and meaningful participation.” This statement is an extract from a United Nations publication that deals with disability inclusive language. In this article, I turn the spotlight on the concerning issue of language in modern disability conversations.

Ten years ago, I read the book The Social Construction of Reality by Berger and Luckmann which was published in 1966. In this book, the authors introduced the concept of habitualization. They define this concept as any action that is repeated frequently becomes cast into a pattern, which can then be reproduced in the same manner. In communities, words are formulated and given a meaning, and these meanings are consistently repeated and become a habit and handed down from generation to generation.

The concept of habitualization is pertinent to the subject of disability. For generations, words are used to describe persons with disabilities and these words form a pattern that represent negative imagery of persons with disabilities. Growing up in my community back in Bailey’s Vale, if you had one leg or one hand, you would be called “wani”. If you had a visual disability, you would be referred to as “blaini”. If you were deaf and could not speak, you would be called “dummy”. And if you used a wheelchair, you would be referred to as an “handicap’. All these negative references to persons with different impairments have been habitualized in Jamaica and contributed to the way how these persons are treated in society.

I cannot forget a gentleman in our community whose hands and feet were severely curved, and this affected how he walked and did things. People in the community called him “Anancy”. I now, from my professional studies, realise that he had cerebral palsy. Notwithstanding this disabling condition, the gentleman was extremely productive, as he repaired the handles of knives, cutlasses and, dug and pack pit with stones for toilets at the time.

NEGATIVE LANGUAGES

The negative languages used to reference persons with disabilities have found its way in formal institutions of society such as the media. Much to my chagrin, from time to time, I would read and hear references to a “wheelchair bound” individual. On some occasions, I have seen persons with physical disability being referred to as paralytic. Such references are reflections of the negative languages that have become habitualized in our society towards persons with disabilities.

These unfortunate references to persons with disabilities is not just a Jamaican thing. It is to be seen and found across the world. The adverse references have not escaped the corridors of the United Nations. Consequently, the UN in 2024 has issued what is called the “Disability Inclusive Language Guidelines”. The document delineates the appropriate language that should be used when referring to persons with disabilities. It is incumbent on me to share some of these perspectives with my Jamaican brothers and sisters.

Frontally, I must address what is the correct and safest way to refer to a person with an impairment. The correct and most safe language to use when referencing someone with an impairment is “person with disability” or “people with disability”. People first language must be always used to reference such persons. The person must always be prioritised over the disability.

DISPARAGING LANGUAGE

We must never use disparaging references such as handicap, paralytic, invalid, cripple or lame, when relating with individuals who have lost a limb or physical body part. Such terminologies are antiquated and demean the human dignity of the individuals. The appropriate reference is persons with physical disabilities.

Similarly, a person who is using a wheelchair, must never be referred to as a “wheelchair bound” individual. The person is not tied to the wheelchair. The correct reference is wheelchair user.

Terms such as “differently abled” and “person with exceptionalities” have become popular among some persons without disabilities in their references to persons with impairments. But such languages are unacceptable and are said to be euphemistic. According to the United Nations: “Euphemisms are, in fact, a denial of reality and a way to avoid talking about disabilities. “Persons with disabilities” is a more neutral term than “differently abled.”

The United Nations also has this to say about the word special: The term “special” used in relation to persons with disabilities is commonly rejected, as it is considered offensive and condescending because it euphemistically stigmatises that which is different. This term should not be used to describe persons with disabilities, including in expressions such as “special needs” or “special assistance”. We recommend more neutral or positive language when possible, such as “tailored assistance.” The expression “special education” is also widely used to refer to school programmes, but this term carries negative connotations since it usually refers to segregated education.

I end this article where I started: “language matters”. For us to have a truly inclusive society, we must treat all citizens with respect. A part of this respect is how we relate to each other and the language we use in this relationship. The public must be educated as to what is appropriate and what is not, when relating to persons with disabilities. Make a difference today, by speaking about and referencing persons with disabilities with positive language- it matters.

Floyd Morris is professor in Disability Studies and Politics at the University of the West Indies, Mona. Send feedback to morrisfloyd@gmail.com