In our journey towards a more inclusive society, we must examine our language and the unconscious biases it may perpetuate. One term that warrants closer scrutiny is “disability.” While seemingly innocuous, this word carries a heavy burden of negative connotations, which can manifest in attitudes, values, assumptions, and behaviours, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and marginalising individuals with disabilities.

At its core, the term “disability” evokes notions of deficiency and limitation, deeply ingrained in societal attitudes towards individuals who deviate from the perceived norm. These attitudes, often unconscious and implicit, stem from a long history of ableism—the systemic discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Ableism manifests in various forms, from overt acts of discrimination to subtle microaggressions embedded in everyday interactions.

One way in which ableism manifests is through the assumption of incompetence. Individuals labelled as “disabled” are frequently underestimated and overlooked, their abilities discounted based on preconceived notions of what they can or cannot achieve. This assumption of incompetence leads to missed opportunities for growth, development, and meaningful contribution, perpetuating a cycle of marginalisation and disempowerment.

Furthermore, the term “disability” reinforces the narrative of dependency and burden, portraying individuals with disabilities as objects of pity or charity rather than active participants in society. This portrayal not only diminishes their agency and autonomy but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that undermine their inherent worth and dignity as human beings.

In addition to attitudes, language shapes our values and beliefs about disability. The term “disability” implies a binary division between those who are able-bodied and those who are not, creating a false dichotomy that fails to capture the complex and diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities. This binary thinking reinforces the notion of disability as an inherent flaw rather than a natural variation in human diversity, further marginalising those who fall outside the narrow confines of societal norms.

Moreover, the term “disability” can influence behaviour, leading to the perpetuation of exclusionary practices and policies that systematically disadvantage individuals with disabilities. From inaccessible infrastructure to discriminatory hiring practices, these barriers reinforce the cycle of exclusion and perpetuate the social and economic disparities faced by individuals with disabilities.

Despite the insights offered by the social model of disability, which emphasises the role of societal barriers in creating disability, the pervasive influence of ableism means that the term “disability” continues to be used in ways that perpetuate negative stereotypes and reinforce exclusionary attitudes and behaviours.

In conclusion, the term “disability” carries with it a host of negative associations that perpetuate ableism and undermine the inclusion and dignity of individuals with disabilities. From unconscious biases to systemic barriers, these associations manifest in attitudes, values, assumptions, and behaviours that marginalise and disempower those who deviate from the perceived norm. As advocates for inclusivity and diversity, we must challenge these implicit associations and strive for a language that celebrates all individuals’ inherent worth and dignity, regardless of their abilities. Let us work towards a society where everyone is valued, respected, and included, regardless of their differences.