Press Release/ Background: Disability Isn't a Dirty Word
Disability isn't a Dirty Word Campaign Launches
In the run up to #IWD2021 Disabled Women Ireland are launching their “Disability isn't a Dirty Word” Campaign. The campaign will run over a number of weeks in March 2021.
Spokesperson Zoe McCormack said today “Over the last number of months, we have heard nothing but euphemisms for disability. Our needs are somehow "additional" "special" or "abnormal" - and all of our conditions are pre-existing. The way we are talked about is so very different to the way we talk about ourselves.”
The campaign aims to get the word out there out there. “We are proud disabled people. Disability isn't a dirty word. We are not less - we are different.” said McCormack.
The Disability isn't a Dirty Word Campaign aims to encourage the general public to question the language they use around disability. Language can often be a difficult thing to grapple with. The best way of learning is to listen to us, join us and use the word we use to describe ourselves, that word is disabled. The discomfort that persists around the word stems from some very outdated ideas about disability.
We have curated a series of blogs, videos and artworks explaining this concept further which will be displayed on our website and shared on various online platforms from the first of March. We will also have a twitter chat on the 7th of March at 7pm which is open to all. The event will also coincide with public consultations on Ireland's report to the UN disability rights convention, the CRPD.
The Disability isn’t a Dirty Word Campaign will take place on a variety of social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
#DisabilityIsntADirtWord to participate and learn.
"We are really excited about the campaign, the response from disabled people more broadly has been really positive and energising, there is a real appetite for this" said Sarah McNaab, member.
If you would like to get in touch, please contact us at disabledwomenireland@gmail.com