Can we say “person with a disability”?
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What terminology should we use to talk about a person with a disability?
This is a complex and nuanced subject, and we’re going to try to shed some light on it. Bear in mind, though, that we’re far from a consensus. The subject is constantly and rapidly evolving.
First of all, the terms “disability” and “disabled people” are relatively recent. Emerging from a medical approach to disability to embrace a social perspective, these terms have gradually replaced expressions such as “cripple”, “invalid” or “maladjusted”. They are now used in a variety of contexts to describe people who face challenges in their daily lives. However, despite their similarity, it is important to note that these two terms convey different identities and ideologies.
What is a “ disabled person ”?
In Quebec, a disabled person is defined in the Act to secure the exercise of the rights of disabled persons as “any person who has a disability resulting in a significant and persistent incapacity, and who is subject to obstacles in carrying out everyday activities”.
The distinguishing characteristic of a disabled person lies in the severity and duration of his or her disability(ies). We take into account the likely obstacles he or she may encounter in daily life. Although there is no official, exhaustive categorization, these disabilities can take various forms, such as:
- Motor;
- Intellectual;
- Visual;
- Auditory;
- Communication-related;
- or associated with autism spectrum disorders or severe mental disorders.
When we think of a disabled person, we often think of someone in a wheelchair or someone who is blind. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to disability.
The legal definition uses the term “disabled person” to refer to people with increased needs for support and adaptation in the face of obstacles. These may be encountered in a variety of areas, such as the workplace, social life, education, etc. This definition was developed with a view to qualifying these individuals for social programs. The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse does not limit itself to this definition when assessing cases of discrimination.
“People with disabilities”: the importance of the environment
The term ‘person with a disability’ indicates that a person may have difficulty carrying out certain daily activities. This may mean having difficulty getting around, learning or working, due to environmental barriers. These difficulties may vary, depending on the obstacles the person faces in their environment.
We should note here the situational aspect of disability. This is not a characteristic of the person but rather a characteristic of the situation in which they find themselves.
According to the Government of Quebec, a situation of disability is therefore ‘the result of an interaction between a person’s incapacities, their activities and their environment. It emphasises the importance of acting on the person’s environment’. . The example often cited is that of the wheelchair user. If there were no stairs in the world, they would encounter few obstacles in getting around. Disability is therefore created by the environment.
Differences in ideology
The terms ‘with a disability’ tends to be more socially accepted. This is sometimes a reaction to a perceived negative connotation associated with the term disabled, such as ‘weak’ or ‘incapable’ or ‘sick’. Not wishing to be seen as such, the term ‘person with a disability’ seems a better option for some, as it seems more detached from the value of the person.
That said, it is possible to subscribe to this interactionist vision and still prefer to use the term ‘disabled person’. Some people believe that not everything is linked to the environment and that people have a difference or face a limitation, even in the most accessible environment possible.
For some people, the expression ‘disabled person’ is used to take ownership of their condition. It’s a way of regaining power and control over their situation. Just as ‘fat person’ is not an insult, neither is ‘disabled person’.
It is above all these differences of vision and ideology that explain why the two terms – ‘disabled people’ and ‘people with disabilities’ – are used, much more than the difference in definition. As a result, in everyday language, the terms ‘disabled person’ and ‘person with a disability’ are used in the same way, without any real distinction being made as to who is meant by them.
‘Person with incapacities’ and ‘person with functional limitations
Other terms are also used, such as ‘person with one or more incapacities’, ‘person with one or more functional limitations’ or person living with a disability’. Here again, in common usage, there is no great distinction. These terms encompass a public as broad as that of ‘person with a disability’.
The term ‘person with a functional limitation’ does not have a clear common definition, and is often used interchangeably with ‘disabled person’ or ‘person with a disability’, especially in the Montreal area. Organisations in this area (e.g. Ville de Montréal, AlterGo, STM, RUTA, DéPhy Montréal, etc.) have gradually adopted it, without a precise definition emerging. The term is a little broader than ‘disabled person’, as it refers to disabilities rather than their severity or permanence.
The term ‘person with a disability’ includes virtually all the same people as ‘disabled person’. In both cases, the disability may be temporary or permanent, mild or severe. The difference is that it is sometimes accompanied by a medical tendency due to the explicit ‘disability’.
The term ‘living’ with a disability is more widely criticised, as people do not live with a disability in the same way as they live with an animal or a spouse.
‘Disabled person’ or “person with a disability”: a choice
Given that the terms ‘disabled person’ and ‘person in a situation of disability’ (as well as the other terms) can all be applied to a person with significant and persistent disabilities, the question arises as to which one to use.
As with the majority of terms used to describe marginalised people encountered in DEI, there is no consensus on this issue and we always recommend that you ask the person concerned what they prefer. So there is no best term per se, it’s a choice.
Similarly, some people covered by the legal definition do not necessarily feel this way, such as diabetics. Similarly, a person may not have a diagnosis but still consider themselves to be disabled. In fact, issues of accessibility to health services and specific pre-established criteria may mean that a person does not have an official diagnosis despite the presence of disabilities.
In short, when we use person-centred language, such as ‘disabled person’ or ‘person with a disability’ instead of ‘he’s disabled’, the emphasis is on the individual before the disability. This approach aims to recognise people’s humanity first and foremost, suggesting that disability is an aspect of their overall identity.
No single term will win unanimous support. Considering that all these terms are more or less interchangeable, with advantages and disadvantages, organisations can choose the one that suits them best in complete confidence.
How about a recap?
-While there is a distinction between “disabled person” and “person with a disability”, there is no real distinction in everyday language. So it becomes a personal choice.
-The main term to avoid is to only say “disabled”, which is generally considered dehumanizing. These are people first and foremost.
-If you’re addressing people individually, it’s best to check their personal preference (disabled person, person with a disability, person with one or more functional limitations, person living with a disability, or none of the above). Some people even prefer to avoid general terms to refer to their specific condition, such as wheelchair user, deaf person, autistic person and so on. The relationship with disability can be complex.
Do you enjoy inclusive language conversations? Want to create opportunities in your organization? We offer training on microaggressions, unconscious bias and inclusive writing! Contact us to arrange a session!
Thanks to Julie-Anne Perrault for her help in writing this article.
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