Today's blog is a special message to people I know — my family, friends, and colleagues.
It's about a few things that can improve their understanding and interactions with people with disabilities, like me.
Remember the old adage our parents taught us, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"? Well, they got it wrong – words can hurt!
Let's start by talking about the words you use. I know you are probably thinking, here goes someone again making a big deal about words and terminology. It's getting to a point we have to watch everything we say! I get it.
However, I am not just talking about the word. I am more concerned about what you think and believe about people when you use certain words. Words have meanings and effects what you think and believe when you use them.
Remember what I share about the word "handicapped," the archaic negative history of believing people with disabilities are objects of charity and helpless. So when you use that word, are you thinking and believing I am, and people like me are helpless?
Here are two more overly used negative phrases — 'wheelchair-bound' and 'confined to a wheelchair.' These words can affect your thinking about me and people like me. Your generalized view of people with disabilities is framed by the meaning and everyday use of these words.
The reality is I am not bound or confined to my wheelchair. I and many like me use adaptive equipment just like many of you. I wouldn't say to you; you are 'car-bound' or 'confined to a car.' Yes, that would be silly. But, it is what you say about me and many like me.
You refer to me as "crippled" as though my appearance is offensive to you or that I am not whole — I am no longer equal to you. The reality is I am not cripple, nor are people like me. It is society's inability to remove physical barriers and attitudinal barriers that cripple us!
This is a special message to my family, friends, and colleagues, but if you don't know me, it's for you too!
