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Editor’s Note
I am excited to introduce our latest contributor, Montreece Payton-Hardy, just in time for Disability Pride Month. Montreece co-authored “Working to Find a Job” with Ken Meeker and will also be featured as a Woman On The Move in the near future.
It’s crucial to remember that words hold significant power. Building an inclusive culture starts with each of us recognizing that our own experiences may differ greatly from others’. Rather than allowing our biases to go unchecked, let’s approach others with curiosity and use this to forge stronger connections between those who are temporarily abled and those with disabilities. ~Steph
Say What? 5 Phrases to Ditch at Work for Disability Inclusivity
Creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusivity is not just a noble pursuit; it’s downright essential! We’ve come a long way in recognizing the significance of disability inclusion, and it’s high time we give it the attention it deserves.
So, let’s dive into the exciting world of inclusive language, where we’ll unravel the mystery behind five pesky phrases that have been wreaking havoc in our workplaces and learn how to banish them for good. Get ready for some serious inclusivity enlightenment!
1. “Are you sure you can handle that?”
Ah, the classic doubt-filled question that inadvertently undermines a person’s capabilities. Instead, let’s replace it with a more empowering inquiry: “How can we support you in accomplishing this task?” Trust me, it’ll make everyone feel like a superhero.
2. “That’s so lame” or “It’s a walk in the park”
Hold your horses! These seemingly harmless phrases can be unintentionally hurtful. Let’s opt for alternatives like “That’s unimpressive” or “It’s a piece of cake.” They convey the same message without trampling on anyone’s feelings.
3. “He’s a real nutcase” or “She’s a psycho”
Yikes! Using derogatory terms to describe someone’s mental health is a no-go. Instead, let’s embrace empathy and say something like “He has a unique perspective” or “She’s wonderfully eccentric.” It’s all about promoting understanding and respect.
4. “Don’t be a spaz” or “Are you blind?”
Uh-oh! These phrases may seem harmless, but they perpetuate ableism. Let’s opt for more inclusive alternatives like “Don’t be so clumsy” or “Did you miss that?” By keeping our language inclusive, we create a safe and supportive space for everyone.
5. “It’s not rocket science”
Unless you’re actually discussing rocket science, let’s ditch this phrase. It unintentionally diminishes the skills and efforts required for various tasks. Instead, try “It’s straightforward” or “It’s not overly complicated.” Trust me, your colleagues will appreciate the recognition of their hard work.
Remember, fostering an inclusive workplace starts with the language we use. By banishing these five offenders, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and ready to unleash their full potential. So, let’s embark on this journey together, armed with compassion, humor, and a commitment to embracing diversity. Together, we’ll make the workplace a truly inclusive haven. Game on!
Written by: Montreece Payton-Hardy
About Montreece
Montreece Payton-Hardy is a staunch advocate for accessibility, belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity – ABIDE. Her lived experience is foundational and her passion for creating greater digital inclusion and accessibility. Montreece helps businesses develop effective written and verbal communication related to Disability and Accessibility, and workplace accommodations. She provides training through webinars, open discussions, and one-on-one coaching to leaders across all industries. Montreece encourages leadership and allyship at all levels using evidence-based measurements for success. She possesses the education, training, and experience necessary to provide honest, candid perspectives on a variety of important issues and topics.
References
- Bogdan, R., & Broden, M. (2021). Mental Retardation. In Disability in American Life: An Encyclopedia of Concepts, Policies, and Controversies (Vol. 2, pp. 614-616).
- Gleeson, K. (2020). Language and Vision Loss: Beyond Inspiration Porn. In Disability, Public Space Performance and Spectatorship (pp. 53-71). Palgrave Macmillan.
- Hall, K. (2020). Critiquing the Ableist Metaphors in the Language of Assessment in Higher Education. In Language and the Politics of Disability (pp. 183-201). Springer.
- Haller, B., & Dorries, B. (2020). ‘Wheelchair-Bound’: Language and the Social Model of Disability. In Cultural, Social, and Political Perspectives in Science Education (pp. 333-342). Springer.
- Katsanis, M. (2021). Talking Crazy: Contemporary Popular Culture and the Stigmatization of Mental Illness. In Disability in American Life: An Encyclopedia of Concepts, Policies, and Controversies (Vol. 1, pp. 581-587).
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Image Descriptions:
- A group of four businesspeople chatting by the water cooler.
- A young girl is holding a fortune cookie paper with the message Word have power.
- Disability inclusion at the office: A group of business people are meeting at a table. One woman is in a wheelchair.
- Author photo: professional waist shot of Montreece a black woman with arms folded across her chest. She has straight dark hair and is wearing a white shirt under a tan jacket.