“It’s really important to keep in mind people with disabilities in the sector, and proper terminology is one of the best ways to show respect for them. When it becomes more normalized in different parts of society, it lessens the stigma against them and makes them feel more accepted and attuned to what our country would bring for them. “ - Pia Cabañero, Vice President for Advocacy in Ateneo Special Education Society, '21-'22.


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In the school year of 2021, the Ateneo Special Education Society (SPEED) decided to transition from using the term PWSN to PWD when referring to the sector. With this, SPEED interviewed Pia regarding the organization’s decision on this matter. For her, it was truly an important move in which it is vital to have a proper understanding of disabilities and to consider the voices of the sector. Thus, Pia talked about how it is imperative to consistently practice active listening when we serve the sector as our actions will always be for them and with them.

The Power of language

In SPEED, the terms PWD and PWSN used to be both accepted. PWD stood for Persons with Disabilities while PWSN stood for Persons with Special Needs. When pertaining to people with disabilities, it is advised to use language that focuses on their abilities rather than their disabilities. Thus, the use of the words "handicapped," "able-bodied," "physically challenged," and "differently-abled" is discouraged. The preferred term, "people with disabilities," sheds light on the humanity of these individuals and steers away from objectification (“Brown University,n.d). On the other hand, the term “special needs” describes an individual with a mental, emotional or physical disability. According to Chan et.al (2019), PWSN is the umbrella term for all individuals diagnosed with medical conditions that can vary in range and kind.

At a glance, the difference between the two terms is unlikely to be noticed but the power of language affects many facets of life, and it is evident in these two terms. Although the term PWSN has great intentions, it tends to sound more ‘considerate’ as if it has a different meaning. It begs the idea of the term sugarcoating the identity of the sector, implying that it's a euphemism without noting the bigger picture. Pia highlighted how she felt “special needs” did not exactly encapsulate everything about her autism and it could possibly apply to other people. “If they would be upfront to say that they are disabled, it encapsulates this better than saying they have special needs”, she added.

Breaking the stigma: what led to the change

The transition from PWSN to PWD was by no means a “rash decision.” It was done in consideration of the organizations’ stakeholders, the context surrounding the term, and the stigmatization present in topics concerning persons with disabilities. PWDs is the more politically correct term for people who have disabilities in the Philippines, as “taong may kapansanan” which directly translates to “persons with disabilities.” Filipino has always been a person-first language, and the change in terminology adheres to both a cultural and linguistic context. The term Persons With Special Needs is also rarely used outside the Ateneo sect. SPEED’s partner areas as well as government offices, institutions, and organizations, are more comfortable with defining the members of the sector as PWDs rather than continuing the use of PWSN. In addition, The organization’s mission is geared towards empowering the sector and building an inclusive society. Hence, it is necessary to change the terminology into one that is more attuned with the sector and its evolving needs.

Pia mentioned that her sentiments regarding the transition were not solely based on her perspective of being the VP of the Advocacy Department but also as a member of the PWD sector. She shared, “I really felt like saying that I have special needs—instead of just saying I am disabled—doesn’t encapsulate everything that could be said about my autism.” Her rationale with the terminology shift is centered on empowerment and comfortability. People can see their disabilities as part of their identity while also addressing the needs they have to be accommodated for. Identifying somebody through the use of PWD instead of PWSN gives off the notion that they are not seen differently from non-disabled people. Acknowledging that they are disabled means accepting that they were born this way — that fact does not limit them; rather, it is what empowers them.

“If we have a more accepting notion of the terminology, we would see it used in different spaces without shame and remorse,” Pia added.

Steps toward inclusivity

The use of proper terminology is one of the best ways to show respect for people with disabilities. Normalizing apparent and non-apparent disabilities and breaking the stigma that surrounds them help in forming an accepted opinion towards PWDs without using euphemisms. Organizations like SPEED play an essential role in adhering to the sector’s needs and amplifying the voices of the people that comprise it. However, this is only the first step in creating a more inclusive society. Proper representation of PWDs in all contexts is necessary for people to make sure that they listen to their needs and accommodate them as much as possible. As part of her work in Advocacy, Pia and other executive members plan to implement projects that focus on relevant issues in the sector, such as online special education, struggles of people with disabilities, and accepting PWDs in the workplace. Accepting PWDs as a whole goes beyond addressing them with proper terminology; it consists of treating them as full-fledged members of society. Voices, when joined together, reverberate into echoes that speak for inclusivity. Although collective action is what reinvents the norm, change starts with the individual actions people do for the sake of others.

References

Appropriate Terminology. Student Accessibility Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/support/accessibility-services/resources-teaching-students-disabilities/appropriate-terminology.

Chan, T., Garcia, D. & Llanes, A. (2019). Above the noise. The Guidon. Retrieved November 16, 2021 from https://theguidon.com/1112/main/2019/12/above-the-noise/

Mauro, T. (2020). What does "Special Needs" Mean?. Very Well Family. Retrieved November 16, 2021 from https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-special-needs-3106002

Tajon, R. (2017, September 25). PWD or person with disability: To acronym or not to acronym? CDP Foundation, Inc. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.cdp.org.ph/news-1/2017/09/25/pwd-or-person-with-disability-to-acronym-or-not-to-acronym.