Say the Word The Way We Roll

If you use the word ‘disabled’ with something you’re promoting, do people switch off? If you create a product to assist a disabled person but ignore this, are you authentic? Are products created for disabled people only used by disabled people…except the telephone, electric can openers, electric windows, pre-cut fruit, voice dictation, automatic doors…but other than these…? 
Does the word ‘disability’ point to a history, to culture, to shared experience?
Is using the word ‘disabled’ appropriate when talking about someone who has a long term or chronic health condition?  Where do ‘Energy Limiting Impairments’ fit? Does the social model struggle to get going when an individual struggles to get going? 
All these questions provide a rich source for Phil and Simon to discuss and debate. The questions come from new research into energy limiting impairments and Nike promoting their new Go Fly Ease trainer. We have a contribution from Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Communications at DREDF (In California) and #SayTheWord evangelist. We wrap with your letters and emails. 
We don’t profess to have all the answers, and we know there are gaps. Let us know your thoughts mintyandfriend@gmail.com
Links
Slate Article - Nike’s avoidance of the word Disabled 
NPR Article - Disabled - Say The Word
Twitter feed - Peeled Orange Phenomenon 
Nike Fly Ease Shoes 
Research reports recently published about, Energy Limiting impairments 
People we mention
Catherine Hale Twitter 
Chronic Illness Inclusion Twitter 
Katie Elizabeth Twitter
Marie Pye Twitter

Kay Allen OBE Twitter
Lawrence Carter Long Twitter  
Ross Hovey YouTube
Ross Hovey Instagram 
Russell Silver Syndrome Podcast 
Dope Black Disabled