The Philosophy of "Disability"

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. 

Not all disabilities look like this