#abilityindisability

Language, discourses and their utterances shape who we are, how we communicate and how we compartmentalize meaning and knowledge in mass society. While language constructs and represents for its cultural subjects, it is important to consider the ways in which it can work to define and strengthen the divide between ability and disability. In order to analyze critically how language is used and misused daily, we must understand how language reinforces normative standards in society. Metaphors, idioms and hyperboles are tools of signification that simplify language and make meaning objective and reductive language available for reference by its users. When disability metaphors are used pejoratively — denoting lack, deficit, malfunction and fear — in formal and conversational language, the adequate representation of minority groups is compromised, and an ideal normative society is in turn promoted (Goodley et al. 982).

Disability metaphors and idioms used in language re-enforce normative standards by comparing efficient capability to what is considered a lacking ability. Though it is more often than not that metaphors and idioms such as “handicapped by a lack of knowledge” or “Blind to the truth” (Goodley et al. 982) are used to quantify feelings, it is important to take better care of understanding the effects of our language on other people. In other words, before using a metaphor, understand what is actually being implied. What does it mean for love to be blind? In his song “Blind Love," Bon Jovi equates blindness to oblivion, suggesting that sometimes love fails to recognize faults or see clearly its truths. Similarly, Paris Hilton sings about how “Stars are Blind”, and Ed Sheeran about his desire for his ‘skinny love’ to “just last the year”. As disability metaphors seamlessly infuse into music lyrics, we must assess how they can work to discriminate or marginalize those who, in the case of these examples, are visually impaired or have eating disorders, and why a desired love must be ‘skinny’. Disability metaphors provide justification for personal feelings and emotions by associating them with extremities of either lack and debilitation or overarching success and prosperity. For example, when describing feelings of sadness, loneliness or decreased mood, some people choose to reference ‘invisible’ disabilities by using words such as “depressed” or “anxious”. One cannot equate temporary feelings of weakness with mental or physical disabilities. The passive internalization of language — inclusive of figures of speech — give metaphors the authority to ‘sum up’ and distort reality.

With specific emphasis on the concept of help, whether asking for, receiving, or implying the need for help by people with disabilities, it is important to understand that although society often associates disability with weakness, the reality is that when people with disabilities ask for help, it is not an indication of dependance or failure. The process of collaborating or helping in general is conducive of growth, inspiration, opportunity and success that is mutually beneficial to both the ‘helper’ and the ‘helpee’. One’s abilities stretch beyond their physical or mental disability. Success is equally attainable, what varies however, is the way in which one goes about achieving this success; overcoming obstacles and accomplishing personal goals. The need to ‘help’ someone with a disability should never be assumed, but should be made available when requested and provided constructively rather than in a dominating way. Educational settings for children with disabilities such as Bloorview School Authority (associated with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto) promote and foster creative, inclusive and collaborative learning spaces —  an environment not only beneficial to the students, but also to the teachers and facilitators that condition and instruct knowledge . In this way, everyone is able to learn and adapt to different variations of ‘normal’ everyday living, thereby creating an environment of inclusivity and accessible opportunity.