It was a person centered, or person first term, so you had to preface it with 'person who is...' or 'persons with a disability'.
The concept was leap up from the 'M.R.' term (mental retardation) that was still being used in most clinical settings.
I was happy to use this term, until a young 'person with a disability' pointed out that they do not like that term.
I asked why?
They eloquently told me that 'dis-abled' means less able. Less able then what?
Good question. So everyone that is less able then another or then the 'norm' in society could be considered 'dis-abled'.
It quickly became apparent to my argumentative mind that everyone on this planet has a dis-ability. Everyone has a weakness. Everyone struggles with something that the average person finds simple.
I personally do not get facial recognition or names. I struggle big time with recognizing names and people. I work hard at trying new techniques but I am quite obviously less able then the average person.
So why use this blanket term to describe a section of the population that is no less able or dis-abled then you and I?
I can write another article on the why we use these terms, but I try not to spend too much time in the 'why'. Instead I look for solutions, or possible conversation starters.
I choose to call the people I work with Master Teachers, or M.T.'s for short.
It is a way of acknowledging the brilliant lessons that I have learned from the many people I have supported, as well as a recognition that the labelled people have been repressed, abused and neglected for a great deal of time and it is time we start listening to them and learning from them.
I am not convinced this is the term that I wish to use for the rest of my life, or if we even need a blanket term for people who need support.
I know that when we change the language we use about a subject we can instantly change the perspective of the conversation.
SO how do you wish to address the term for the people we support? Do we need a blanket term? Most importantly, what do the people we support wish to be termed, if anything?
Let us have a conversation about this. Lets continue to evolve the language we use to best honor the people we are talking about.
What are you thoughts?