Towards Economic Empowerment for Disabled People: Exploring ...

While this checklist certainly highlights some of the more glaring examples of
inappropriate terminology, in relation to disability, it is important to remember
that these guidelines were produced for use in Ireland, and that preferred
expressions will vary considerably in different contexts around the world. The
World Bank recognises that different expressions are considered appropriate in
different languages and cultures, and recommends asking disabled individuals
for their own preferences. However, it does approve the term ‘people (or
persons) with disabilities’, in order to emphasize the person first and the
disability second (Guernsey et al, 2006, p7). While this term appears to have
been accepted on the international stage (it is adopted, for example, by the
UNCRPD and other recent international agreements), it does appear to conflict
with the opinions of many of those involved in founding the social model.
Mike Oliver, a prominent figure within the British disability movement and a
key figure in the advance of the social model, argues that it does not make
sense to separate the person from their disability, because “disability is an
essential part of self” (1990, pxiii). He prefers, therefore, the term ‘disabled
people’.
This thesis adopts the terms ‘disabled people’ and ‘disabled person’, in
recognition of Oliver’s argument.
1.5 Disability Prevalence
The recent World Disability Report applies prevalence rates derived from the
WHO’s World Health Survey (a household survey covering 70 countries,
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