What to know and how to talk about disability

Terminology

The language we use when discussing disability is crucial in shaping perceptions and attitudes. Alice Wong emphasizes the importance of using terms like "disability" rather than euphemisms such as "special needs" or "differently abled," which can obscure the reality of living with a disability 1. She advocates for straightforward language to normalize disability as part of the human experience. Wong explains, "Language is one of the most important signals that we have to demonstrate our acceptance and or rejection of a person's identity."

Language is one of the most important signals that we have to demonstrate our acceptance and or rejection of a person's identity.

--- Alice Wong

Additionally, she discusses the debate between "person-first" and "identity-first" language, suggesting that neither is inherently right or wrong, but rather a matter of personal preference 1.

   

Ableism

Ableism, as defined by Alice Wong, involves attitudes and actions that devalue individuals based on their disabilities 2. It manifests both interpersonally, such as through unsolicited help or rude comments, and systemically, where infrastructure like public transportation fails to accommodate disabled individuals 2. Wong highlights the broader impact of systemic ableism, noting that an inaccessible system affects everyone, from those with disabilities to individuals with temporary mobility challenges 3.

Systemic ableism can have an impact on everybody, whether it is somebody with a suitcase, somebody with a stroller, somebody who has broken their leg and needs the elevator, somebody who is carrying something heavy.

--- Alice Wong

She argues that improving accessibility benefits all members of society, not just those with disabilities.