Making offensive terms history
Many words have their roots in the pages of medical history . For example retard , moron , spastic , insane , lunatic , crazy , mental and handicapped are words that were once used to describe patients in hospitals . Language changes over time , and society adapts the meaning of words , so that those which were once acceptable become offensive . As such , a word ’ s valid origin doesn ’ t make it acceptable to use it today .
The way society has used words such as retard and spastic has often been to ‘ have a laugh ’ or ‘ a go ’ at someone , often a mate , if they are uncoordinated , drop something or trip over , for example . This is putting a person with an intellectual disability or someone with Cerebral Palsy down , as if they are a lesser person . Not only should you not use these words , you should call it out if you hear others using it and explain its offensiveness . While you may not dream of using such language yourself , have you called it out if you ’ ve heard clients or members using it in your facility ? Just because no one with a disability happens to be around when the word is said , doesn ’ t mean it ’ s not offensive . People with disability also have parents , siblings , grandparents and family who constantly watch and hear their loved ones being subjected to this ableist language . A word ’ s meaning cannot be erased with good intention . Ableist language shows people with disability that they aren ’ t valued .
Different people , different language
Language around disability is evolving and is constantly challenged and contested . Caitlin and I prefer to use ‘ person first ’ language , i . e . person with disability . As mentioned , Caitlin gets sick of her disability defining her , she wants to be seen as a person first , her disability comes last and doesn ’ t define her . Other people we know prefer ‘ identity first ’ language , i . e . disabled person . Many people are proud of their disability , and want to be known as disabled . Everyone ’ s story is different . Some people may like to name medical conditions or impairments , while others may be very uncomfortable with doing so . The language a person with disability favours is their choice and we should respect that : it is best not to make assumptions , and to ask or wait to be told what language they prefer .
Swapping it out
When you are used to hearing or using terms that you don ’ t think of as offensive , it can be confronting to actually pause and reflect upon the negative connotations inherent in them . However , I encourage you to do so .
In the language you use in your club , on your website , in your communications and , of course , in-person , avoid words that are demeaning , or paint people with disability in a bad light . Words like ‘ victim of ’, ‘ suffering from ’, ‘ bound to a wheelchair ’, ‘ physically challenged ’, ‘ handicapped ’, ‘ slow learner ’, ‘ midget ’, ‘ dwarf ’, ‘ special needs ’, ‘ able bodied ’, ‘ deaf ’ and ‘ dumb ’.
In place of this terminology , I recommend ‘ wheelchair user ’, ‘ person has …’, ‘ with lived experience of …’, ‘ person of short stature ’, ‘ intellectual disability ’, ‘ learning disability ’, ‘ deaf person ’ and ‘ Auslan user ’.
The little differences
I ’ m a mum and sister of a person with a disability . In my dealings with the NDIS ( National Disability Insurance Scheme ) and Centrelink , my role becomes known as Carer , which differs from that of a paid worker that assists a person with disability who is referred to as a Support Worker or Personal Assistant . It is important to understand the difference , because you will no doubt encounter both Carers and Support Workers in your career .
Some people may use an accessible toilet or accessible parking , as opposed to a disabled toilet or disabled parking . The large space around the car park and the wider access and fit out of changerooms / toilets makes them more accessible . Once again , there is a difference , and it does take effort and practice to make these changes to our language if we have always referred to something in a certain way in the past , but it ’ s worth making the effort .
Don ’ t be afraid to make mistakes
The worst thing that can happen is to be worried about offending someone with a disability or saying the wrong thing , and therefore avoid talking to that person . People with disability are too often ignored and socially isolated , and we all need to work to change this .
If you are approaching the situation positively , and with the right intent , most people will not be offended if you make a mistake . If you cannot understand someone , simply ask them to repeat or ask them if there is another way you can communicate . Be ready to learn and if someone corrects you , acknowledge and be respectful . Remember : no single way works for everyone . The best people to learn more from are people with disabilities .
Ableism and ableist language are everywhere - by beginning to notice it , we can start to change . At the end of the day , we are all just people wanting to be connected , respected and included . Making people with disability feel welcome in our fitness facilities won ’ t only improve their lives : when you increase the diversity in your life by building friendships and professional relationships with those that are different to your usual social network , your own life will also become more interesting and enriched .
Carol Syer With 31 years ’ industry experience , Carol is a passionate group exercise instructor as well as the Program Coordinator for Active Monash , a role in which she oversees programs for older adults , children , teens , those with chronic conditions , and people with a disability . In collaboration with group fitness legend Marietta Mehanni , Carol and her daughter Caitlin created an instructor training workshop called Enable to empower instructors with the confidence and knowledge to teach group classes for adults and children with intellectual disabilities ..
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