Who knew that as an individual with a disability, it’s our responsibility, to guide non-disabled people as to our choice of language to use about ourselves? 

I knew there were going to be a lot of adjustments when I became chronically ill but I really didn’t anticipate this one! 

The dehumanisation of the disabled has been, and continues to be, a huge issue and so choosing the type of language we want to be referred to by is a reminder to the outside world that we are still real people. 

As shocking as it is, it’s still all too common to hear people saying things like “the disabled”, or referring to someone as “a wheelchair”. This is an attempt to separate us  in society so non-disabled people don’t have to think about our wants, needs, rights or feelings. 

So it’s time to take control of the narrative and dictate whether you want to be spoken of in person first or identity first language.