Language is powerful and ever-changing. It is important to be aware of the impact words can have, including the ways in which they can dismiss or affirm the diverse lived experiences of people with disabilities.
In this session, presenters will share a primer on ableism in language, as well as examples of language preferred by disabled individuals, including those with intersecting identities. Presenters will also highlight the ways that changing your language can lead to changing your actions.
Learning Objectives:
- List at least two definitions of ableism
- Describe how ableism presents itself in systems and society
- Identify casual and explicit ableism in common terms and phrases
- Apply preferred language to honor disability identity, including Person First, Identity First, and Reclaimed Language
- Describe examples of intersectional identity