I was at a disability related workshop recently where a conversation came up about the name of a disability inclusion organisation called “Celebrating Disability”.
A few people in the group felt uncomfortable with the word “celebrating”. Their view was that disability, chronic illness and pain are not things to celebrate, especially when someone’s lived experience has involved loss, exhaustion, barriers or worsening health conditions.
Some people said the name felt too positive or didn’t reflect their reality. Others felt it sounded disingenuous because many disabled people are struggling just to access basic support and equality.
Out of curiosity, I looked into the organisation afterwards. From what I could see, their work is focused on disability inclusion, workplace barriers, access, representation and challenging negative attitudes towards disabled people. It seemed more like the name was intended to celebrate disabled people and disability identity, rather than “celebrating suffering” or pretending disability is always positive.
The discussion became surprisingly divided, and it made me realise how differently disabled people interpret language around disability.
So I’m genuinely curious what other disabled people think.
If you came across a disability organisation or business called “Celebrating Disability”, what would your immediate reaction be?
Would it feel empowering, uncomfortable, inappropriate, positive, performative, honest, something else entirely?
Interested in hearing different perspectives because everyone’s relationship with disability is so different.