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A collective call to action 

 

Let’s stop whispering the word disability or using euphemisms like "differently-abled” or “special needs.” Using the word openly and without shame is a way to honor the experiences and identities of disabled people–and to break down the stigma associated with these normal kinds of human diversity. 

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Let’s recognize that disability is a valuable part of the diversity of our towns and it’s our collective responsibility to learn about and break down the barriers to access. Doing so moves us closer to making our community a more just, equitable, and accessible world for all.

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Why is it important to say the word disability?

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Society has often viewed disability as a personal tragedy or something to be fixed. This way of thinking, known as the medical model of disability, says that the problem lies with an individual's body or brain. Most of us were raised with this model and told that we shouldn’t talk about or draw attention to disability. This adds to the stigma and isolates disabled individuals. 

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In contrast, the disability justice movement—led by queer, BIPOC disabled activists—works from the social model of disability. This model asserts that disabled bodies and minds are not a problem to fix or pity; disability is a normal part of human diversity. The challenges faced by disabled people primarily stem from problems with how society is designed, how it operates, and what it defines as “normal.”

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Barriers such as inaccessible buildings, a lack of sensory accommodations, exclusion in schools and workplaces, and harmful stereotypes are the real obstacles. This is called ableism.

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Even compassionate, progressive, well-intended people can perpetuate ableism if we don’t take steps to actively understand and undo them. 

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