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February 19, 2021
Diversity & Inclusion
What's the Best Way to Refer to Disability?
After a brief hiatus, we're picking our series of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) terms back up!
This month we're looking at different ways of addressing people with disabilities.
<p>We'll give an overview of different terms' history and acceptance—like able bodied and disabled, as well as disabled or differently abled—and address the myth that there's only one "politically correct" term for disabled people or people with disabilities. (Spoiler alert: there's not, since just like past DEI terms we've covered such as <a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/what-does-bipoc-mean-2648154733.html" target="_self">BIPOC</a> and <a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/where-did-latinx-come-from-2649044128.html" target="_self">Latinx</a>, it's up to individual people from those communities to determine how they'd like to be addressed or described.) </p>
<h3>Historical context on disability in the public sphere</h3>
<p>Bear with me for a moment as we zoom back to cover the history of how disability has been perceived, treated, legislated, and addressed. People with disabilities have long faced the same kind of mistreatment as other out-groups, but the disability rights movement isn't enshrined in history books like similar movements for civil rights, women's rights, or gay rights. It's hard to dive into the minutiae of different terms without understanding just how far the world has come in how it sees disability—and just how far it has to go. Much of the below context is drawn from Minnesota's Council on Developmental Disabilities' in-depth archive and history project, "<a href="https://mn.gov/mnddc/parallels/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parallels in Time: A History of Developmental Disabilities</a>."</p>
<p>We'll start with the Roman empire, where people saw disability as a mark of divine wrath and laws stated that children with disabilities should be put to death. </p>
<p>It was a pretty big deal, then, when Jesus came on the scene and publicly spent time with people with disabilities and illnesses; <a href="https://mn.gov/mnddc/parallels/one/4.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">some scholars</a> credit Christianity with sparking more humane treatment of people with disabilities. In the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church started asylums for certain communities, including abandoned infants and people with disabilities. </p>
<p>It wasn't until Elizabethan England that governments started to provide care for people living in poverty and with disabilities, and it took the French Revolution for society to accept the idea that humanity itself conferred dignity, and that people with disabilities deserved care and help, not ostracization and punishing conditions. It would be centuries until that actually happened, though.</p>
<p>While doctors and scientists began to study disability in the 19th century, the prevailing beliefs at the time—including belief in phrenology, or the idea that skull shapes determined human characteristics—were rudimentary at best, and objectively incorrect and damaging at worst.</p>
<p>The U.S. government began trying to track people with disabilities in the 1950s, when it included questions about "<a href="https://mn.gov/mnddc/parallels/four/4b/8.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mental retardation</a>" on the Census. Many local governments institutionalized people of all ages with all levels of disabilities in dehumanizing conditions. The first special education classes in the U.S. began in <a href="https://mn.gov/mnddc/parallels/four/4d/10.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1896</a>. </p>
<p>In the early 20th century, people with disabilities were still largely mistreated in the U.S. Hitler's Germany targeted people with disabilities as part of its campaign of ethnic cleansing. </p>
<p>As social movements began to grow in the post-WWII economic boom and people had leisure time and more access to education, people started to organize around rights for those with disabilities. Parents' associations began to form in the 1950s and put public pressure on governments, and terminology began to shift from "retard," "moron," and other terms now understood to be extremely derogatory, to other still-problematic terms like "handicapped."</p>
<p>In 1962, President John F. Kennedy, whose sister Rosemary had "mental retardation," created a panel to study the subject. In <a href="https://mn.gov/mnddc/parallels/five/5d/7.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1970</a>, Congress introduced the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Amendments, which were updated throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s to fund "comprehensive services for people with disabilities" in the U.S. In 1975, the U.N. adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons, centered on human dignity, civil and political rights, right to medical treatment, rights to participate in social activities, and more. </p>
<p>In the 1970s and 80s, the movement around people with disabilities focused on encouraging independent living, or the idea that people with disabilities could make decisions about their own lives and activities (versus that power lying with institutions or families). </p>
<p>In <a href="https://mn.gov/mnddc/parallels/six/6c/6.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1990</a>, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities act, the first sweeping legislation that addressed discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. </p>
<p>Now, central tenets of the disability rights movement include inclusive language (we'll get to that in a movement), a shift in seeing disability not as a deficiency but as a strength, and the acknowledgement that society and its barriers are the real disability. </p>
<h3>Respectful language: is there a "politically-correct" term for disabled?</h3>
<p>Over the last few decades, terminology used to describe people with disabilities has changed drastically, and there's not one single term or reference that "won" the debate. Even the predominant term I'm using here—people with disabilities—isn't universally accepted.</p>
<p>Here's some framing from a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/21/opinion/sunday/becoming-disabled.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>New York Times</em> op-ed by Rosemarie Garland-Thomson</a>, a founding director of the Disability Studies Initiative at Emory University: </p>
<p><em>When I lecture about disability, someone always wants to know — either defensively, earnestly or cluelessly — the "correct" way to refer to this new politicized identity. What we call ourselves can also be controversial. Different constituencies have vibrant debates about the politics of self-naming. "People first" language asserts that if we call ourselves "people with disabilities," we put our humanity first and consider our impairment a modification. Others claim disability pride by getting our identity right up front, making us "disabled people." Others, like many sign language users, reject the term "disability."</em></p>
<p><em>The old way of talking about disability as a curse, tragedy, misfortune or individual failing is no longer appropriate, but we are unsure about what more progressive, more polite, language to use. "Crippled," "handicapped" and "feebleminded" are outdated and derogatory. Many pre-Holocaust eugenic categories that were indicators for state-sponsored sterilization or extermination policies — "idiot," "moron," "imbecile" and even "mentally retarded" — have been discarded in favor of terms such as "developmentally delayed" or "intellectually disabled."</em></p>
<p>The U.S. tends to use "people with disabilities" and the UK tends to use "disabled people." Around the world, referring to people with disabilities as their medical diagnosis is inappropriate. For example, you should say "the woman with epilepsy" instead of "the epileptic" and "blind people" instead of "the blind". (Note that "blind people" is an example of identify-first language, instead of people-first constructions like "person who is blind"; I'm using that here because that's what the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Federation of the Blind</a> prefers. Also note that the NFB breaks the "rule" of not using "the" + a disability to describe a group of people with that disability in their very name. See how important it is to listen to individuals and communities as to how they'd like to be referenced versus relying on a set of guidelines?) </p>
<h3>A brief and not-exclusive glossary of terms related to disability</h3>
<p>The golden rule of writing about disability or addressing people with disabilities is to ask individuals how they prefer to be addressed. But when you can't ask individuals, here are some terms to understand and to decide between, drawn from resources from <a href="https://www.apa.org/pi/disability/resources/choosing-words" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the American Psychological Association</a> and the <a href="https://ncdj.org/style-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Center on Disability and Journalism</a>: </p>
<h4>Terms to use:</h4>
<p><strong>Person with (impairment): </strong>This structure describes the person and their functioning, rather than reducing them to their diagnosis.</p>
<p><strong>Person with disability, or disabled person:</strong> Generally the best ways to refer to people who have physical or mental impairments that "<a href="https://www.ada.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">substantially limit one or more major life activities</a>." </p>
<h4>Terms to avoid:</h4>
<p><strong>Able-bodied</strong><strong>:</strong> Describes someone who doesn't identify as having a disability. It implies that people with disabilities lack "able bodies," though, which many people take offense at. </p>
<p><strong>Afflicted with: </strong>Suggests that a person with a disability is suffering.</p>
<p><strong>Crazy, insane, psycho: </strong>Offensive terms to refer to mental health.</p>
<p><strong>Differently abled:</strong> Previously touted as an alternative to "disabled," which means "not abled" and thus suggests people who are disabled lack an ability to live their lives. It's now considered a condescending way to discuss disability, or worse, a way to avoid addressing it altogether. After all, we're all differently abled.</p>
<p><strong>Suffers from:</strong> Suggests that people with disabilities have overall lower-quality lives.</p>
<p>For more guidelines on what to use and to avoid based on specific disabilities, review the NCDJ's <a href="https://ncdj.org/style-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">style guide</a>.</p><p>-----</p>
<p>And for suggestions on what terms you'd like us to cover next, send us a note at <a href="mailto:hi@powertofly.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hi@powertofly.com</a>.</p>
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November 28, 2018
For Employers
Gender Neutral Language in the Workplace
Why It Matters & 3 Tips for Getting Started
I've found that requests for gender neutral or inclusive language are often met with eye rolls. And not just from men.
I should know - as a college sophomore, I rolled my eyes big time when my Psychology of Gender professor said that using terms like "mankind" helped to sustain gender inequality. I still have my notes to prove it: "Obviously mankind refers to men and women." It wasn't until she had us engage in a brief thought experiment that I really understood her point.
It was simple: what do you picture when you think of "man" discovering fire?
<p>Now tell me you didn't just picture something like this:</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODg0NDIzNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNTIxOTgzNX0.81u6TjOdVlL8Hy1qIwjWEzCw_q17I0SKk5yAwfNtfS4/img.jpg?width=980" id="314f7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6ea1730c3e63289c6a92d17420b2b107" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
</p><p>If you didn't, you're a better <del>man</del> person than I am. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/T_Andrew_Caswell/publication/257663669_The_Gendering_of_Language_A_Comparison_of_Gender_Equality_in_Countries_with_Gendered_Natural_Gender_and_Genderless_Languages/links/53ce6c490cf279d935309e8a.pdf" target="_blank">Multiple studies</a> have shown that when we hear masculine generic terms (man, mankind, congressmen, etc.), that are meant to also include women, we exclusively picture men. Why's that a problem? When we subconsciously give men credit for humanity's achievements or picture men but not women, we downplay women's contributions to society and limit women's opportunities (if she can see it, she can be it!).</p><p>Because this happens subconsciously, it can be hard to convince folks (even women) that it's a problem, but once we understand how our words are part of a feedback loop that <em>affects </em>our thinking, it's hard to argue against change.</p><p>Not only does the use of masculine generic terms <em>reflect </em>problematic societal norms, it also helps <em>keep them intact</em>:</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODk5MzIxNi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODY3MjQ1N30.b_8r7DOpUNDusC7qSeIIJ6OflF_e9JWZOUjtOuhtl00/img.png?width=980" id="86eb5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cc7070e4fef5427a65134ffde850198f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
</p><p><br/></p><h4>Back up, what's gender neutral language?</h4><p>Gender neutral language, also referred to as <strong>gender inclusive language</strong>, means <a href="http://www.un.org/en/gender-inclusive-language/" target="_blank">"speaking and writing in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes."</a> </p><p>Most often, it means avoiding masculine pronouns (he, him, his) when referring to a subject that could be of any gender and masculine generic terms (congress<strong>men, </strong>fire<strong>men</strong>, etc.) when referring to groups of people that could include men, women, and non-binary folks.</p><h4>Why should you foster a company culture that values gender neutral language? </h4><p>If you want your company to reap the <a href="https://blog.powertofly.com/diversity-in-workplace-benefits-2616313615.html?rebelltitem=2#rebelltitem2" target="_self">benefits of diversity</a>, then you need to breakdown implicit bias and stereotypes, not reinforce them. Changing the language we've all been taught is "normal" challenges the inherent assumption that men are the default or the norm. It's just one small way you can make women and <a href="https://www.catalyst.org/system/files/gender_identity_first_step_final.pdf" target="_blank">non-binary folks</a> feel welcome in spaces that were traditionally designed for men. And in doing so, help everyone on your team reach <del>his</del> their potential.</p><h4>So, how do you get started?<br/></h4><p>Breaking deeply ingrained habits is always difficult (I'd be lying if I said I never use <a href="https://brainsoverblonde.com/you-guys/" target="_blank">"guys" to refer to mixed-gender groups</a>), and you'll no doubt get some pushback along the way… but rather than giving your employees lists of what they can and cannot say, try changing your own word choice first; as a company leader, you have the power to drive change across your organization <a href="https://hbr.org/2016/10/leaders-can-shape-company-culture-through-their-behaviors" target="_blank">just by changing your own behavior.</a></p><p>Here are 3 tips to keep in mind:</p><p><strong>1. Embrace The Singular "They"</strong></p><p> Contrary to what my high school English teacher told me, the English language has a long history using "they" as a third-person singular pronoun - if it was good enough for Chaucer and Shakespeare, it's good enough for me. In recent years, the singular they has gained acceptance once more, so much so that in <a href="https://www.americandialect.org/2015-word-of-the-year-is-singular-they" target="_blank">2015 it was embraced by the <em>Washington Post </em>style guide and named the American Dialect Society's word of the year</a>. Although "he or she" and "s/he" have been popular alternatives to the generic "he" for quite some time now, they reinforce the gender binary, while the singular they helps ensure non-binary colleagues don't feel left out.</p><p><strong>Don't Say:</strong> </p><p><em>If an employee wishes to go on vacation, he or she must schedule it two weeks in advance.</em></p><p><strong>Do Say:</strong> </p><p><em>If an employee wishes to go on vacation, they must schedule it two weeks in advance.</em></p><p><strong>2. Swap Out "Man" Words For Neutral Alternatives</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Most typical "man" default words have already been changed for gender neutral options, but others still tend to fly under the radar. Keep your eye (or ear) out for these common terms, and swap them for gender neutral alternatives.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTA5NTk2Mi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNDI2NTkzM30.Yk7sgvKc_0MOhgOdfnaZTtbM_TlfcszYuN27kCOX978/img.png?width=980" id="8dbc2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="46b52d6b1188e8320680af1f93d670cc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Biased: Businessmen, Guys, Chairman, Manpower | Neutral: Businesspeople, Team/Folks/People/Everybody, Chairperson, Personnel" />
<p><strong>3. Eliminate Gender-Biased Expressions</strong></p><p>We often throw phrases around without considering their origins and what we imply when we use them. Seeing the phrases below written down, it almost feels absurd to be reminding folks that they're not ideal for the workplace, but I've heard them more times than I can count in my own professional life. I've probably used them a handful of times as well.</p><p>As a leader at your organization, what do you imply when you use these expressions? That you buy into the bogus stereotypes that being a man is equivalent to being tough, and being a woman means you're inherently emotional and weak. Not exactly the kind of thoughts you want to champion if your goal is to help your entire team reach its potential. The kind of thinking perpetuated by these phrases isn't good for men, either, as it's yet another way we tell men that they're not supposed to be vulnerable, which is <a href="https://ideas.ted.com/how-showing-vulnerability-helps-build-a-stronger-team/" target="_blank">actually essential for building strong teams!</a></p><p>Alternatively, what do you imply when you say less frequently heard phrases like "don't be a coward"? It signals to employees that you don't tolerate sexist language - and it might get them thinking about their own word choice, or maybe even lead to a conversation. You can bet it will be more effective than just handing them a list of phrases they can't say.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyMDkxNS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MjYwMTA0M30.TU9YYtbPr4bA-8M_cGza5UY_DkFzkdL2ao7PdjQ0p9U/img.png?width=980" id="2efc1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0edde30f24b0486710ed3d32181cd02c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
</p><h4>Summing It Up - Not Rules, Just Respect</h4><p>Some types of gendered language may feel much more offensive than others (i.e. "Don't be a pussy" vs. calling a group "guys"), but at their core, they all reflect (and help to perpetuate) sexism. <a href="https://diversity.ucsf.edu/resources/unconscious-bias" target="_blank">Unconscious bias</a> is real and manifests in the language we use. </p><p>Using gender neutral language is not about policing free speech or enforcing rules. It's about questioning your assumptions, considering the sexist notions that contributed to these speech patterns in the first place, and doing your part to break the feedback loop. It's about paying attention to signs of underlying sexism and taking them seriously, rather than dismissing them with, "it's just an expression."</p><p>And if you're a traditionalist who refuses to embrace the evolution of language, careful - thy company might just get left behind.<br/></p><p><div class="ptf-cta">
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