How we speak about disability matters

Language has a powerful influence on our attitudes and how we think about persons who have impairments, persons with disabilities, and reasonable accommodation, in line with the social model of disability.

For example, to my knowledge, there is no official reference to the "hard of hearing" in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the South African White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, or the Codes and Technical Guidelines on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities. Read Paragraph 6.1.1.4 of the White Paper, where the diversity in the field of hearing loss is clearly explained.

Persons who have hearing loss are not "hard of anything." We are hearing impaired. We have impairments, just like individuals who have physical impairments. The impairment is a natural part of human diversity, not a problem; disability is imposed upon us by the inaccessibility of society. We don't refer to persons who have physical impairments as "hard of walking." So, why do we refer to individuals who have hearing impairments as "hard of hearing"?

Using the term "hearing impaired" is in line with the principles of the Convention. It's empowering to acknowledge that individuals have hearing impairments, just as others have physical impairments. This perspective recognizes that impairments are a natural part of human diversity, rather than problems to be solved. Referring to individuals as "hearing impaired" rather than "hard of hearing" shifts the focus from a perceived limitation to a factual description of their experience. This language aligns with the understanding that disability is imposed by societal barriers, rather than the impairment itself. Therefore, a compelling analogy can be drawn between physical and hearing/sensory impairments. By using more empowering language, we can promote a more inclusive understanding of disability.

The White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2015) highlights the importance of accessibility in information and communication, noting that "when information and communication platforms and technology are available, affordable, and accessible, they significantly improve the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society." The document also emphasizes the need for specific accommodations, such as South African Sign Language (SASL) training, interpreters, note-takers, captioning, and sub-texting, to facilitate access to information and communication for Deaf or hearing-impaired individuals.

Source:

White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, WPRPD 2015, paragraph 6.1.1.4 Access to Information and Communication