By C., AAC User and Casey

Reading time: 4 minutes

The views expressed in this post are that of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NWACS. No endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned.

“C. horrified ... them say the words C. (and many other people) use are wrong, out-dated, and even ‘There is nothing positive about these words.’ 

C. VERY dislike this new label nonspeaking. Because makes seem like C. only has trouble with the speaking part of communicating, when actually have much more severe and pervasive and profound communication disability. Nonverbal is much better for C. It suggests there more going on than *just* not able to speak with mouth words.

C. upset ... the Identity words C. (and many many other people) use and have been using for all life get so negatively defined, labeled “bad“, thrown out. Without any consideration for all the people who use them.

This subject is in need of much more discussion.“

“C. is frustrated more because how people listen so much more to people what can type better than C. And then they feel free to make big bold writings about whole group of people. And then not listen to more disabled people in community what disagree with them. Just say anybody who disagrees just have inside ableism … 

C. have so much frustrated this happen all time. People fight over stupid things like what words people allow to use…instead of important things. People so much forget it is more important to be kind.

C. not know how to say in right way so people will listen and hear C. And not attack C.”

- C., AAC User

Our words matter. 

But, more weight and respect are often given to the words and opinions of certain groups of people. 

male voices over female voices

adult voices over child voices

voices of professionals over voices of people with lived experience

non-disabled voices over disabled voices

independent communication over partner-assisted communication

Even within a certain group, there are further subgroups with power imbalances. For example, disabled AAC users whose communication contains

• correct grammar

• correct sentence structure

• correct spelling

• correct punctuation

• etc.

is more likely to be accepted as competent communication. Communication from an AAC user that contains 

• awkward wording 

• incomplete sentences 

• spelling errors

• grammatical errors 

• etc.

is more likely to be viewed as "less than". Even if the message is the same.

AAC users who have more capacity for independent communication and output that is deemed close to “standard” also tend to be more likely to have a platform to share their thoughts and opinions with a wider audience. They are more likely to be employed. They are more likely to be able to, and feel comfortable to, participate in online spaces. They are more likely to have a platform to have their voice heard and opinions expressed.

Which brings us back to the idea that our words matter. 

Our words DO matter.

And yet.

We also need to be mindful that no one person or group speaks for EVERYONE. 

We all have circumstances unique to us. We all have our own identities. We all have our own opinions. We all have our own feelings. We all have our own preferences. As humans, we have a right to our opinions, feelings, and preferences. Our individual choices for the words used to describe us should be honored and respected. 

There are some groups with the platform(s) to loudly proclaim their preferences. For example, there has been a push in recent years to stop using the term “nonverbal” and instead use “nonspeaking”. Or in Autism circles, the push to use “autistic” instead of “person with autism”. And for many people for whom those terms apply, the switch in terminology may be their preference. But not for all. An unfortunate side effect seems to be that people who prefer to use “nonverbal” (or “person with autism”) to describe themselves are shamed and vilified for choosing what feels best for them. Often, these disabled individuals are accused of being a victim of their own internalized ableism. 

The tricky part is that there likely is seldom (if ever) ONE term that will cover all preferences. A loud component of disabled people advocate that “nonspeaking” is the correct term. Yet some disabled people feel strongly that “nonverbal” is a better word for them. But because many of these people do not have the privilege of a platform to share on, we rarely hear their side of the conversation. It is easy to listen to large disability-led groups and think whatever terminology that group promotes is the “correct” terminology to use for all. 

This is about identity. Everyone should be able to self-identify and choose the words that best represent themselves.  

This is about dignity and self-determination.

This is about kindness and respect. 

Yes, our words matter. And when it comes to words about another person, the right words are the words that person chooses for themselves.