III. Living Together? Real Stories

Theotis Braddy

Language Equals Attitude

When asked to share with you today, I was told to share something that I felt you should know. This is what I felt was most important. Know about the language you use in everyday conversations and how it can shape the perception and attitude that society has about people with disabilities.

When you talk about or refer to people using stereotypical or negative language that projects pity, or language that regards them as persons who need to be taken care of, then society views them as such. For example, people with disabilities are often referred to as:

Afflicted with a disability
Victim of a disability
Wheelchair bound
Handicapped
Crippled
A defect
An invalid
Retarded

All of these words have negative connotations, and when used constantly, especially by the media, create in the psyche of the American public that we just don’t measure up to the norm. Therefore, we don’t get the respect that others without disabilities receive. We are more easily institutionalized and discriminated against because we are viewed as less than equal.

Language does make a difference!

* Theotis W. Braddy is the Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania, a federally funded organization that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities and has been a person with a disability for over 25 years.