Hi Jodi - it is indeed a complicated one. I consider myself to be a disabled person and am quite proud to call myself such. Perhaps there isn't as much stigma around the term here in the UK? I admit to using the term for humorous purposes when I don't want to do something, I'll exclaim very loudly in a mock upset way, "I'm disabled you know!" to make a a joke out of not being able to do certain things. As I walk with a stick, my disability is pretty obvious to see, and I don't mind that too much as generally I find people to be kind and considerate. I always get a seat on the bus! I guess I feel it is good to be proud of my difference. There are a lot of things that are difficult for me but I try and keep my sense of humour about it. Jenny xx
while I don’t really “claim” the label as some do in the sense that I don’t construct my identity with it—you won’t find it in my Twitter bio, about page, anything— when it is brought up in conversation I try to point out to others that my ADHD is a disability— in part to advocate for myself and in part to acknowledge that disability is everywhere & expresses differently for everyone. But I also don’t like it, but mostly because I feel like people with and without one sometimes use it as shorthand for something more complex that deserves elaboration and not stereotype
What's in a label?
Hi Jodi - it is indeed a complicated one. I consider myself to be a disabled person and am quite proud to call myself such. Perhaps there isn't as much stigma around the term here in the UK? I admit to using the term for humorous purposes when I don't want to do something, I'll exclaim very loudly in a mock upset way, "I'm disabled you know!" to make a a joke out of not being able to do certain things. As I walk with a stick, my disability is pretty obvious to see, and I don't mind that too much as generally I find people to be kind and considerate. I always get a seat on the bus! I guess I feel it is good to be proud of my difference. There are a lot of things that are difficult for me but I try and keep my sense of humour about it. Jenny xx
Aw, thanks my lovely. It's a fascinating debate, that's for sure xx
Thanks, Jodi. A really helpful read. I had used "differently abled" in the past - I won't anymore!
I just reread your post and came up with a new term...enlightened ability?? Labels...tough.
while I don’t really “claim” the label as some do in the sense that I don’t construct my identity with it—you won’t find it in my Twitter bio, about page, anything— when it is brought up in conversation I try to point out to others that my ADHD is a disability— in part to advocate for myself and in part to acknowledge that disability is everywhere & expresses differently for everyone. But I also don’t like it, but mostly because I feel like people with and without one sometimes use it as shorthand for something more complex that deserves elaboration and not stereotype
Great article Jodi- it really is a minefield!