Jessica PingWord of the Week – “differently-abled”
In this blog post, I will do a close examination of the word “differently-abled” and explain why you should never use this word to describe someone’s disability.
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Introduction To The Ableist Language Series:
Ableist language perpetuates the inferiority of people with disabilities. At its core, it is oppressive, derogatory, and hurtful, no matter the intention behind its usage.
I guarantee that you use ableist language every single day without even realizing it. It rolls off the tongue naturally because it’s hardly ever questioned.
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Here on The Rolling Explorer, I am going to start questioning it.
As an advocate for disability rights, I was appalled when I realized how common ableist language was in my own vocabulary. Of course, like many of you, I was uneducated and unaware of the implications behind my word choice. Our systemically ableist society has allowed these words and phrases to grow in popularity for too long. It’s time for a change.
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Every other week, I will be sharing a blog post that highlights one of the words from the downloadable glossary above. These posts will provide definitions, explanations, as well as alternative words and phrases to use in place of the one being examined.
Today’s word is “differently-abled.” Keep reading to learn why this word is inherently ableist and discover alternatives you can begin to use in its place.
Definition of “Differently-Abled”
- Disabled
How Is “Differently-Abled” Ableist?
To understand the answer to this question, we must first examine the reason WHY people use “differently-abled” as their go-to term to describe someone with a disability.
The simple answer is this: they believe “differently-abled” is less offensive than the disabled person’s actual identity (disabled).
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Let me tell you why this is not the case…
First of all, it attempts to view the disabled body through an able-bodied lens. Systemic ableism tells us that there is only one way to do things in this world: the abled way. Obviously, this presents a problem for the disabled population.
Instead of creating a more inclusive and accessible world, society often expects people with disabilities to either get out of the way or mold themselves into their best version of an able-bodied individual. “Differently-abled” speaks to this ideology specifically. It is essentially saying “you are capable of doing ‘able-bodied things!’ Just differently!”
The problem is, many people with disabilities are not capable of doing “able-bodied things.” Their inability to conform should not define their worth, but it does, and that’s a problem.
“Differently-Abled” upholds that there is a hierarchy of disability based upon one’s ability to conform to an able-bodied way of life.
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While the word may seem like a positive motivator, it is actually deeply ingrained in ableist ideologies and does more harm than good to the disability community.
Finally, when “differently-abled” is used to identify members of the disability community, it actually strips them of their true identity. The word disabled is not a bad word, ableism just tells us it is. In using the word disabled, you are actually giving power to the disability community. Using words like “differently-abled” gives takes our autonomy away.
The One Catch With Differently-Abled
Though discouraged by the wider disability community, some disabled individuals prefer to identify themselves as “differently-abled.” People with disabilities are not free from ableist ideologies. In fact, some people with disabilities are the biggest ableist influences I know.
As problematic as it may be, if someone chooses to identify themselves as differently-abled, it is best to honor their choice. But, keep in mind, if this person is the only disabled voice in your life, then it might be best to seek education and understanding about the disabled lived experience from others, as well.
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Alternative Words That Can Replace “Differently-Abled”
There is only one.
- Disabled
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