Simply because one belongs
to a particular culture does not mean they ascribe to its values in totality. I
myself have cerebral palsy and personal detest the word “disabled” (do not even
get me started on the “R” word). Essentially, I can do anything you can do; it
may take me longer, I might have to make adjustment or need supports but I have
the ability, albeit in a different form. As such, I much prefer being referred to as “differently-abled”.
Of course, that is my preference. However, to most individuals with disabilities
this verbiage is not a concern. By the way, I also do not approach people at
work and say, “Would you mind not saying ‘disability’ in front of me?”
I met with client of mine who is deaf a couple of weeks
ago. Through an ASL interpreter, I kept using the phrase “hearing-impaired”
because I thought that was the preferred term. The interpreter gently told me
that the majority of the deaf community prefers to be called just that, deaf. The
interpreter further informed me, when you attach the word “impairment” to
anything it is seen as a negative and by and large creates a hurtful stigma. I asked
the client, “Which do you prefer?” To which he replied, “Don’t care. How about
cool guy that can’t hear?”
Funny, but also telling that no one wants to be saddled
by any label, particularly if they do not feel it defines them. People are far more than one thing.
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| Not all disabilities look like this |
