Module 4: Enhancing an Inclusive School Culture for Students with Complex Needs

The Power of Language

“There are no hard-and-fast rules, no standardized disability terminology and language across the board.”

Jeannette Campbell

As you learned in the previous topic, our thoughts, beliefs, choices, actions, or inaction all have power. Words too have power—the power to change perspectives, and the power to do harm. The words we use to describe ourselves and others have significant impact. Our words provide insight into what we believe. They have the potential to influence, shape, and mold what others believe. With all the power that words and language have, how do we ensure that we are doing good and not harm?

As the opening statement tells us, no handbook is available to guide us. The purpose of this section is to help guide you in using positive language.

It’s Only a Label

A label is a slip (paper or cloth) attached to something to identify or describe it; a word or phrase that describes or names something or someone (Merriam-Webster online dictionary). Labels are useful. They can help identify something that belongs to us. Remember going to summer camp, after school care, or even school, and we needed to label things to identify them as ours? Before school started, we would eagerly write our names on notebooks, erasers, pencils, and pencil crayons. It was fun until we realized we had to label each individual pencil crayon. For some, it was really exciting if you had a label maker. Again, the fun wore off with repetition.

Humans have been labeling things forever. Labelling helps us to identify, categorize, and distinguish things from one another. Labels provide us with information about something: For example, a box that says old photos, or a container labelled pasta, cook for 9 to 11 minutes. These attributes of identifying, categorizing, and distinguishing at first glance seem to be positive or at least neutral attributes of labels, but are all attributes of labels positive or even neutral?

Language is Fluid

Language is fluid. It changes over time. Think of the number of new word additions to dictionaries over the last few years: words like Zoom, Skype, CrossFit, and neurodiversity.

The evolution of language results in words and terms gaining and losing favour. Words that are culturally insensitive fall out of use because they are acknowledged to be harmful. Sometimes, language evolution occurs as a way of correcting inaccuracy.

Work with a partner (spouse, friend, colleague, child) to create a list of three words that describe you. Each of you will generate three words for the other person (such as kind, funny, parent, employee). Once you have listed the three words, share them with your partner and answer these questions:

  • Do you agree with the three words?
  • Do they describe you?
  • What is the general tone of the words—positive or negative attributes or labels?
  • How do these words make you feel?