Blanka Falk’s Post

I see a lot of posts about language and disability, but far fewer about stereotypes in literature and media. For instance, the "disability drop" where - plot twist! - a wheelchair user was faking their disability for some nefarious reason. Why does this matter? Lately, I've seen too many posts where disabled creators talk about being accused of faking their disability. Often, these experiences feature a random stranger with a misplaced sense of justice. It's hard not to see a connection. I think we need to bring more media literacy into the conversation. Representation isn't just about including disabled characters, The "how" of that representation can reinforce stereotypes - or counter them. #NAAW2024 #Disability #Accessibility #a11y

Take the time to get educated on the language of #disability.

"That's what resonates with me," Catarina hits the issue on the nose here. For all the different ways to describe or label a disability ... The best way (in my opinion) is to ask the person what they prefer. Some people are very sensitive to terminology. Others are not. In a society where terms are constantly changing due to new social construct, new trends, and the "woke" approach ... it feels like you can never get it right. My take on it? Act with honest intent, and try your best to honor everyone's unique situation ... you cannot go wrong. Be open and curious and respectful. Adapt to the person or audience you are speaking with. For instance - the term "hearing impaired" bothers a lot of folks. It was the main describer once upon a time, so there are people that grew up using that terminology and it was NOT CONSIDERED WRONG. The lens of the terminology has shifted, and today it can be considered offensive to call a deaf person hearing impaired. They may never have had hearing.... so it isn't impaired. They may be deaf from birth, meaning it's not hearing loss. The most recent terminology is Hard of Hearing (HOH) but even then, different describers can have negative connotation. Another new term is "Hearing Differences" but ... How often do we change the terms based on new ideas and perspectives? And how reasonable is it to assume that everyone will jump onboard the terminology train with that specific term? Just food for thought. Offer grace and gentle information when you hear people use a term that can be offensive. Don't attack. They may not know better. And until they know better, they cannot do better. For me? I am a disabled person. Like Catarina, I don't consider it a bad thing, or a negative term. It is just a descriptor or identifier of something that is a part of who I am. It is not who I AM ... It's a part of it. I don't expect people to understand what I mean when I say "I have a hearing difference," Because it is a new term and quite ambiguous. What does that MEAN? I am a woman who is deaf. I identify as deaf, but not Deaf. I did not grow up in deaf culture. I am not a hearing person (but yes, with Cochlear Implants, I can hear). I am deaf... but being deaf is not my full identity. My own personal preference is deaf, formerly hard of hearing. My own experiences have shaped my preference. Use your experiences to share with others, and educate each other. Lift eachother up and hold each other accountable, but give grace for those that struggle to change their lifelong understanding of a term. Remember - a person is not their disability. And their disability does not define them. Some people may build their identity around their disability and embrace it - but that doesn't mean they ARE their disability. Look past the disability and really embrace that we are all human and have unique characteristics in our personalities and identities. I have a disability - it is not a bad thing!

Looking back on my time at a CBSE school, one subject stands out from my 12th-grade curriculum: Health and Physical Education. Notably, we were sensitively taught to use terms like "differently abled" or "differently impaired" instead of "disabled." While this approach aimed at promoting inclusivity, it sparked a thought within me on why we use these terms. Upon interacting with individuals and engaging in various forums, I've come to realize that many individuals with disabilities are comfortable with the term "disabled." Hence, I've adopted a different approach. Instead of assuming, I make it a point to ask individuals how they prefer to be addressed—whether it's "disabled," "differently abled," or any other term. It's about respecting individual preferences and promoting genuine inclusivity. #Inclusivity #Diversity #Respect #DisabilityAwareness

I have really enjoyed the feedback from people across social platforms- normally I don't think any one listens to the whole episode when I do these, just the clips I post of it; so happy to find out that is not the case with this one! Thank you Business Without Bullshit again for sharing these clips and speaking with me. I know the people meeting me at the moment are meeting a version of me where my pain and 'disability' is very hidden as I am using my stick less while I await my scooter... I am also glad I am not pitching for investors at the moment because that was a horrible experience and really threw me and I don't believe it's got any better. It's just 3 weeks until my Dragon's Den 1 year anniversary and such a lot has happened since it aired (and in the 2 years since it was filmed) and listening to this reminds me how very far we still have to go when it comes to attitudes; seeing all 6 of them support a product that has no scientific backing last week is also thoroughly disappointing (not to mention damaging for the CFS/ME community) And if it's like this for me.. I know just how much harder others have it and the harder it is for them to get investment and be treated with respect. #NonApparentDisability #DisabledEntrepreneur  #AdaptiveFashion 

International Day of Disabled Persons 💜 As a disabled person I know only too well how exhausting it can be trying to be seen and be heard. So today I decided it was important for me to share my disabled talent that have a voice and a face to go with it, just like any other talent. The only difference is that we have important stories to share that inspire & empower others. So please take time to check out & book a speaker via the link in my bio #DisabledPersons #SupportingSmallBusinesses #PurplePound #Disability #Empowering #Inspiring #DayofDisability #InternationalDayOfDisabledPersons #SupportingTalent #Speakers #DisabledSpeakers Image Description: Brown writing on a beige background with leaf type image top right and swirls bottom left

I love this post. When it comes to using respectful, inclusive, and affirming identity-based language, I often hear a strong desire from aspiring allies to “learn the rules.” The craving for a one-size-fits-all pattern can cause harm. Our desire for simplicity or clarity should not be stronger than our willingness to treat people as individuals with different and evolving experiences, preferences, and ways of identifying. Thanks to this creator for a beautifully clear summary!

Respecting self-identification is crucial.

What does it mean to be an ally? An ally is someone who supports the cause of a minority group, without actually being in the group. They use their privilege to amplify the cause of the group. Throughout my journey to educate others about disability, I speak a lot about being a better ally for people with disabilities, and how it is the best way to strive for more of an inclusive world. It may be a difficult concept to grasp, but I can assure you that it’s much more simple than it sounds. In this post, I have written about some of the key characteristics of a good ally, with the hope that you can adopt them easily. I have also used a range of resources to write this post, so there is a bibliography at the end to reference them. If you find this point helpful, please consider sharing this so others can benefit from it as well 💚

Ableism can take many forms, including harmful language. These still commonly used words are offensive, patronizing, and dismissive. "Special needs" are human needs (or access and support needs). A parking space or bathroom is "accessible", not "handicapped". We are all "differently-abled". Disabled does not mean "bad". Euphemisms are a denial of lived experience and perpetuate an avoidance of talking about disabilities. Words like "diffability" usually make people without disabilities feel more comfortable, not the other way around. Say disability. As for people-first or identity-first language, always ATP (Ask The Person)! Happy to help if your organization wants to learn more about disability inclusion (both apparent and non-apparent). #disability #accessibility #ableism #inclusion Image Description: A yellow square with a white note and text "Stop using these words: special needs, handicapped, differently-abled, diffability. Use these instead: human needs, accessible, disabled, disability."