We Need to Talk About How We Talk About Accessibility article posted in the Journal of User Experience explores the impact of language on accessibility and the changes we need to make. While posted in a User Experience (UX) focused publication, this article applies to the broader community. I would suggest that if you are involved in product development, this is a must read to help change how your team talks about accessibility.

Words matter. Despite their inadequacies, words are our best means of expression. Because we are not born with words, we learn language as a means to translate our innate selves into something comprehensible to ourselves and others. You could say language is like a two-way mirror, projecting and reflecting our identity. Our facility with language affects how much of who we are gets lost in translation.

The words we use shape our communities. They can drive positive change or cement us in outmoded and unproductive ways of thinking and acting. And they are contagious, spreading throughout our communities, embedding themselves in our systems, defining our behaviors, and influencing outcomes. When the words and expressions we use to talk about accessibility convey prejudice and reinforce stereotypes, whether explicitly or implicitly, they can feed discriminatory behaviors, such as minimizing or disregarding accessibility, thereby preventing disabled people from using digital products.

Read the full article