What Does "Disabled" Even Mean?
Why in today's supposedly modern world do we use a word to denote those outside of a preconceived norm? A collective label that does little other than excluding a diversity of people throughout the world. Is it any different from segregating people by gender, race, religion or personal preference?
We hear it used and defended by large organizations, NPOs, support groups and individuals as a means of identification and access to funds or for social backing. All this does, however, is further ensconce differences which allude to subordinate perception and charitable dependence.
It is a detrimental assumption for the greater good and has contradictory implications. The kowtowing of self-proclaimed organizations to governmental bodies and commercial donors further deepens the idea of "Disabled". So ingrained is the indoctrination that differently-abled communities believe and refer to themselves using the same misnomer.
So who is "Disabled"?
Spectacle wearers? Diabetics? Asthmatics? Pregnant? Alcoholics? Cyber Junkies? Lawyers.........?
The stamp is applied to anyone and everything that falls outside the blinkered understanding of officials, be they educational, medical, legal or advocative. A reluctance for meaningful representation when decision-making and policy-setting. Inherent parochial beliefs in doing it their way with the inevitable patriarchal condescension and lip service.
The "Disability" label can take on many forms and guises such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What is the relevance of using the disorder tag that is offensive and judgemental? Deaf, Blind or Autistic suffices.
One way to reach consequential inclusion and acceptance is in the eradication of such labels, but all the 'players' must step up and draw a line in the sand.
Dave Farrell
Australian Red Cross Riverland Volunteer Driver
8 年In Australia, would the term HDR Syndrome (or alternatively, the Barakat Syndrome), where H = hypo-parathyroidism, D = deafness and R = renal diseases; be considered as 'disability'?
Managing Director, Mastersfund | Top 100 Women of the Future | WEF & TEDx Speaker: Evolution of Inclusive Venture Capital
8 年The full spectrum of the human population ranges from decathletes to Stephen Hawking. We all live somewhere on the spectrum. It's time to stop considering "disability", but rather consider the varying abilities of humans and provide services, infrastructure and yes, marketing, personalized to each.
Manager Workforce Strategy at Department for Health and Wellbeing
8 年Yes - this is echoed in the work of some in the mental health field, such as Mike Slade, who believe that being labeled 'permanently disabled' in order to gain a disability pension takes away hope creates the focus away people's strengths
Artist and Educator
8 年Thank You