The Harmful Reality of Disability Euphemisms: Why You Shouldn’t Use Phrases like “Special Needs”
By Katie Carr
“Special needs,” “handicapable,” and “differently-abled” are just a few euphemisms that have been used to describe disabled folks. But why do so many people create these complex, round-a-bout, and confusing methods of discussing disability instead of just saying what they mean?
Because disability makes them uncomfortable.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of euphemism is “a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.” These euphemisms have gained popularity in an effort to decrease uncomfortability surrounding disability, but have instead further stigmatized it. Using euphemisms to describe disability conveys to people that disability is something to be avoided and ashamed of. That disability itself is “too harsh” and should stay hidden, perpetuating ableist ideologies.
The United States has a long and brutal history of hiding away people in institutions and banning disabled folks from the public. In the past, this happened with the “Ugly Laws” because society found disabled folks to be “unpleasant or embarrassing,” leading to inhumane cruelty behind locked doors.
Today, people with disabilities are still highly stigmatized, despite being a part of the largest minority in the world. It is estimated that 25% of the US population has a disability, yet as a society, Americans are generally uncomfortable discussing this topic.
While euphemisms are meant to make things “sound nicer,” it has actually been proven that the term “special needs” does the opposite. According to the study titled “‘Special Needs’ is an ineffective euphemism,” researchers Morton Ann Gernsbacher, Adam R. Raimond, M. Theresa Balinghasay, and Jilana S. Boston “predicted and observed that persons are viewed more negatively when described as having special needs than when described as having a disability or having a certain disability.”
In particular, the term “special needs” has taken root in the United States’ vocabulary to describe everything from people to schools to parents. However this phrase, among other euphemisms, is highly problematic for numerous reasons. First and foremost, it is not what the disabled community generally prefers.* Disabled leaders and activists have made it clear that the appropriate phrases to use are either “disabled person” (identity-first language) or “person with a disability” (person-first language). When unsure of which to use, it's best to simply ask if someone prefers identity or person-first language.
Furthermore, the term “special needs” is simply inaccurate. We all, regardless of ability, have the right to housing, care, sustenance, education, and community. These needs are anything but “special.” Using universal design and the ability inclusive mindset, everyone’s needs can be met in a way which enables everyone to thrive. People with disabilities don’t need special treatment, but rather equitable supports. CoorDown created a video for the “Not Special Needs” campaign that highlights the ridiculous nature of this euphemism by illustrating silly needs that would actually be considered special.
In addition to contributing to harmful stigmas, many of these euphemisms are condescending and intended to be cute or inspiring, further contributing to issues that the disability community faces such as infantilization, inspiration porn, saviorism, and forming/maintaining identity pride.
Everyone deserves to be proud of who they are. So imagine trying to be confident when some folks do not want to even name an integral part of your identity. Disabled artist, activist, and communications director for the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Lawrence Carter-Long coined the hashtag #SayTheWord on Twitter, uniting people in the movement to encourage others to stop using euphemisms for disability and promote identity pride. Disability is a natural and neutral part of human diversity and should be treated with the respect that everyone deserves.
It can be difficult to learn and unlearn, especially when we realize our words may have caused unintentional harm, but it is in the best interest of the disability community to adopt more inclusive and accurate language. The disability community is a diverse space of creative, innovative, and supportive individuals. As Carter-Long puts it, the word “disabled” connects members of the community "to each other, our common history, and to the lineage of all those who fought, protested and persisted so that one day we could be proud of disability history too."
Our words have power. Say “disabled!”
*Some people with disabilities choose to use the phrase "special needs" to refer to themselves, however it is for each individual to choose. The label should not be placed upon someone or policed by nondisabled folks.
Works Referenced:
Avant, Dr. Janie. “AIM in Action - Inclusion Makes the World More Vibrant.” The Nora Project, 21 June 2021, thenoraproject.ngo/nora-notes-blog/aim-in-action?rq=AIM.
Burgstahler, Sheryl. “Universal Design: Process, Principles, and Applications.” Universal Design: Process, Principles, and Applications | DO-IT, www.washington.edu/doit/universal-design-process-principles-and-applications. Accessed 9 June 2023.
“Euphemism Noun - Definition, Pictures, Pronunciation and Usage Notes: Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.Com.” Euphemism Noun - Definition, Pictures, Pronunciation and Usage Notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.Com, www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/euphemism. Accessed 9 June 2023.
Gernsbacher, M.A., Raimond, A.R., Balinghasay, M.T. et al. “Special needs” is an ineffective euphemism. Cogn. Research 1, 29 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-016-0025-4.
“Not Special Needs: March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day: #NotSpecialNeeds.” YouTube, 16 Mar. 2017, youtu.be/kNMJaXuFuWQ.
Oliver, David. “‘I Am Not Ashamed’: Disability Advocates, Experts Implore You to Stop Saying ‘Special Needs.’” USA Today, 11 June 2021, www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2021/06/11/disabled-not-special-needs-experts-explain-why-never-use-term/7591024002/.
Schweik, Susan & Wilson, Robert A. (2015). Ugly Laws. Eugenics Archives.
About the Author: Katie Carr (she/her/hers) is an autistic woman with a passion for accessibility and utilizing online spaces for advocacy. She joined TNP as the Brand & Communications Manager after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Public and Professional Writing.
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