#SaytheWord: A disability culture commentary on the erasure of “disability”.

Abstract

To inform the field of rehabilitation psychology about the sociocultural implications of the term "disability," and explain the rationale behind the #SaytheWord movement, a social media call to embrace disability identity. Method: Review of the literature on disability terminology, the history of language use, and the relationship between attitudes toward disability and language. We reflect on the role of disability within the field of psychology and within the American Psychological Association (APA), including the underrepresentation of disabled psychologists and trainees with disabilities and the lack of mentorship opportunities available in the field. Implications: The authors argue that erasure of the word "disability" can have unintended and adverse consequences. We describe how erasure of disability identity in the context of current sociopolitical efforts to reduce and eliminate public services and supports for people with disabilities is especially threatening to members of the disability community. To move forward, the authors postulate that the disability movement must reconcile its own history of exclusion and adopt a disability justice framework. Conclusion: The field of psychology has a rich tradition of appreciation of cultural diversity and individual difference; yet, disability has largely been left out of these efforts. The disability movement is moving toward the status of a diverse cultural group with a social justice agenda parallel to those of other marginalized communities. The authors posit that psychology must play a stronger role in advancing the human rights of people with disabilities. Impact and ImplicationsThis commentary will inform readers about important sociocultural considerations of the use of the term "disability." The literature indicates that despite the importance of language on attitudes toward disabled people, attempts to avoid the term "disability" remain and may have unintended consequences. The authors argue that psychology and the disability movement should align in order to advance a social justice agenda.

Outsider Privileges Can Lead to Insider Disadvantages: Some Psychosocial Aspects of Ableism

“…As already noted, many outsiders do not view disability as a marker of diversity, nor do they see people with disabilities as members of a minority group that is a target of bias akin to to issues of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion, among other possibilities (e.g., Dunn & Hammer, ). Clearly, educational efforts are needed that will provide outsiders with greater awareness of disability and disabled people, while also providing them with cultural competence to know how, when, and whether to appropriately engage insiders (e.g., Andrews et al., ; Andrews, in press; Andrews et al., 2013; Dunn & Andrews, ; see also, Forber‐Pratt, Muellerm, & Andrews, ). The challenge is too great to be left to postsecondary settings, as issues of disability and rehabilitation are not mainstream topics in most psychology curricula (e.g., Dunn, ; Rosa, Bogart, Bonnett, Estill, & Colton, ).…”

“…Though not aimed at ableism per se, Wright (), citing earlier work by White, Wright, and Dembo () (see also, Dunn, ; Millington, ), shared some guidelines for outsiders to use in initial encounters with insiders that can hold ableism at bay. Newer guidelines emerged from research on disability identity, activism, and advocacy work (e.g., Andrews et al., ). These guidelines, which represent a modest start at more positive intergroup relations, as well as material adapted from the present review, are shown in Table .…”

“…Adapted from the present article, as well as clinical and qualitative research, lived experiences, and research reviews (Andrews et al., ; Dunn, , p. 129; Wright, , p. 306).…”

Actors against Ableism? Qualities of Nondisabled Allies from the Perspective of People with Physical Disabilities

“…As Andrews et al. () noted, the current political situation in the United States has significantly jeopardized legislation that supports services that many disabled people depend on; nondisabled allies—as legislators or voters—can (and, given the current political underrepresentation and disenfranchisement of disabled people, must) play a critical role in supporting the maintenance and enhancement of policies that advance rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.…”

The language of incarceration

“…This effort to claim the positive aspects of a disability-driven identity is one which sees that identity as largely coopted by other institutions of control (Dunn and Andrews, 2015). Motivated by other identity-based movements, a recent hashtag campaign entitled #SaytheWord promotes the use of disability-first language in public use (Andrews et al, 2019).…”