If you use the word ‘disabled’ with something you’re promoting, do people switch off? If you create a product to assist a disabled person but ignore this, are you authentic? Are products created for disabled people only used by disabled people…except the telephone, electric can openers, electric windows, pre-cut fruit, voice dictation, automatic doors…but other than these…? 

Does the word ‘disability’ point to a history, to culture, to shared experience?

Is using the word ‘disabled’ appropriate when talking about someone who has a long term or chronic health condition?  Where do ‘Energy Limiting Impairments’ fit? Does the social model struggle to get going when an individual struggles to get going? 

All these questions provide a rich source for Phil and Simon to discuss and debate. The questions come from new research into energy limiting impairments and Nike promoting their new Go Fly Ease trainer. We have a contribution from Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Communications at DREDF (In California) and #SayTheWord evangelist. We wrap with your letters and emails. 

We don’t profess to have all the answers, and we know there are gaps. Let us know your thoughts [email protected]

Links

Slate Article - Nike’s avoidance of the word Disabled 

NPR Article - Disabled - Say The Word

Twitter feed - Peeled Orange Phenomenon 

Nike Fly Ease Shoes 

Research reports recently published about, Energy Limiting impairments 

People we mention

Catherine Hale Twitter 

Chronic Illness Inclusion Twitter 

Katie Elizabeth Twitter

Marie Pye Twitter

Kay Allen OBE Twitter

Lawrence Carter Long Twitter  

Ross Hovey YouTube

Ross Hovey Instagram 

Russell Silver Syndrome Podcast 

Dope Black Disabled