Below are some examples of language so often used by health and social care professionals which implies a power imbalance between disabled and abled people, which we often do without intention or thought.

I live in a house or a flat.
You live in a scheme or setting.

I go to the shop or for a walk in the park.
You go out into the community.

I get irritated and a bit shouty.
You display challenging behaviour.

I changed my mind and decided not to go out.
You are non-compliant.

I choose to eat too much chocolate and pizza.
You make unwise decisions.

I go to the gym.
You participate in meaningful activities.

The language we use matters and examples like these reinforce the ‘othering’ of people with learning disabilities. The knock on effect is that we see people who have learning disabilities as different or somehow less than.

I am human.
You are human.
– Anonymous