For years, people have used the word disabled to describe physical differences or impairments, and it has become a negative term with a lot of baggage. But what if we could shift our perspective and focus on adaptive solutions for the challenges that people with disabilities face? This blog post will explore my journey from using the word disabled to embracing the term adaptive as well as how this language change can have an impact on society’s perception of disability.
The Journey from Disabled to Adaptive
My story started the day I was born when I was diagnosed with brachial plexus palsy in my right arm. Growing up, I always heard people use the word disabled when they talked about me or my right arm, and I quickly developed a distaste for this language because it felt like there was so much negativity attached to it. Over the years, I have started embracing the term adaptive instead; this small change in terminology has made an enormous difference in how I think about myself and how others perceive me.
The Power of Language
Words matter; they carry weight and meaning. By changing one small word—disabled to adaptive—, we can shift our perspective away from viewing disability as something terrible or wrong towards seeing difference as something positive and unique. It is no longer about what we cannot do but rather about finding creative solutions for what we can do differently. This shift in language helps us view disability not only from a medical perspective but also from an empowering social perspective.
Adaptive Solutions for Everyday Challenges
One thing that many people don’t realize is that those of us living adaptive life spend most of our days creating innovative solutions for everyday tasks. Writing with one hand requires different approaches than writing with two hands; simple tasks like tieing a shoe require adaptations like Velcro or slip-on instead of shoes that need to be tied or enlist help from someone else. These adaptive solutions might seem small, but they make huge differences in our lives and allow us to live more independently and confidently.
We all face various challenges throughout life; those living as adaptive humans have additional obstacles to overcome. By shifting our language away from disabled towards adaptive, we can begin to embrace difference while also recognizing the creative ways individuals adapt their lives around their challenges. Instead of seeing these adaptations as limitations, let’s start celebrating them as innovative solutions! After all, isn’t that what life is all about? Finding ways to adapt and overcome whatever obstacles come our way? That’s why I choose the term “adaptive” over “disabled” whenever possible—to remind myself (and others) that everyone is capable of achieving greatness no matter their circumstances!