Communications Specialist - Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind
"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!
LinkedIn Top Voice in Disability Advocacy | TEDx Speaker | Disability Speaker, DEIA Consultant, Content Creator | Creating Inclusive Workplaces for All Through Disability Inclusion and Accessibility | Keynote Speaker
I'm disabled. I'm not differently abled. I'm not handicapable. I don't have special needs (my needs are just needs, and everyone has needs). I'm not a person of determination. I don't identify with euphemisms for disability. Disabled is not a bad word. When doing public speaking, I share that both identity-first language (i.e. disabled person) and person-first language (i.e. person with a disability) are respectful. I also share the historical context for each. Personally, I use identify-first language, and that's what resonates for me. When people refer to me, I ask for my self-identification to be respected and to be referred to as disabled or as a disabled person. I always respect how any disabled person self-identifies and recognize that they may identify differently than I do. Respecting self-identification is crucial. What are your thoughts on this? #DisabilityAwareness #Disability #DisabilityAdvocate
