Diversability: What Does the Word Mean?
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2019/03/23 - Updated: 2025/03/24
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Glossary and Definitions - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: Discover the meaning of "diversability," a movement redefining disability by celebrating unique abilities and promoting inclusion and accessibility. This article provides an insightful exploration of the term "diversability," a concept aimed at redefining societal perceptions of disability by emphasizing the unique abilities and potential of individuals with physical, cognitive, developmental, learning, or neurological differences. It delves into the origins of the diversability movement, initiated by Tiffany Yu in 2009, and highlights its focus on fostering community, inclusion, and accessibility. The article also discusses efforts by advocates like Shelley Decoste to shift language from "disability" to "diversability," promoting a more positive and inclusive understanding of diverse abilities. This information is particularly useful for individuals with disabilities, seniors, educators, and policymakers seeking to enhance awareness and inclusivity in their communities - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
What is Meant by Diversability?
Diversability?
No, it's not a consolidated hashtag for "Divers Ability", Diversability is quoted as being an award-winning global movement to re-brand disability through the power of community that began in Washington, DC with Tiffany Yu in 2009.
NOTE: Tiffany Yu contacted Disabled World to clarify a point: "Note that we as a company are not advocating for changing the word disability and are proud of our disability identity." - Tiffany Yu.
Focus
The term Diversability embraces the uniqueness and potential in every human being, disabled or non-disabled.
- Diversabilities refer to physical, cognitive, developmental, learning, and/or neurological differences, or diversity, in ability levels.
- Diversability events promote an atmosphere where individuals are comfortable discussing and exploring questions about accessibility, equality, and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Disability or Diversability?
"The word "disabilities" is associated with the past and people's negative experiences with institutions. I am looking to change the word to "diversabilities" because these institutions are now closed and I want to focus instead on the abilities of people now and in the future. People with diversabilities do not want to be a burden to society, but instead want to be contributors and participants in society." - Shelley Decoste.
Shelley Decoste is a well-known leader in the Self Advocacy Movement leading a campaign to change the word "disability" to "diversability". She started the DIVERSABILITY campaign in 2012 and now has followers across BC.
Shelley says, "If you break down the word DISabled, you get not able. If you break down DIVERSABILITY, you get different, but able. To create a better understanding we can begin with something as simple as changing our language."
She has begun work as an inspirational speaker, presenting at various committee meetings, conferences and gatherings on "diversability" across the Canadian Province of British Columbia.
In the United Kingdom the U.K. Diversability Card is the official discount card for people with disabilities, and provides exclusive and market leading discounts with brands, service and entertainment providers.
Not Everone Agrees...
Like the ongoing argument between the words disabled and disabilities, the debate between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the controversial term "Neurodiversity", and the opposition to people first language movement, not everyone agrees with the definition and use of the word "diversability".
"It is still a label. It is still a word that sorts out the 'us' and the 'them', because it isn't really intended to describe everyone, it's intended to describe those of us with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges." - Blogger on Kelowna Now.
The blogger goes on to say...that people should choose the language that they please to describe themselves - whether they choose disabled, diversable, or any other term. It is about opening up a conversation, not simply about how we define ourselves and others, but how those definitions are shaped by the society in which we live...
Language is forever changing, but who is is changing for?
And by whom?
And, how much has these changes really affected the quality of life of those to whom it was applied...? And not just the so called "politically correct" - for their own benefit - social justice warriors (sjw)...
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The evolution of terms like "Diversability" reflects society's ongoing effort to foster inclusivity. While renaming can influence perceptions, it's crucial to ensure that such changes lead to tangible improvements in the lives of those they aim to represent. The shift from "disability" to "diversability" represents more than a linguistic change; it is a cultural movement that challenges outdated stereotypes and institutional barriers. By focusing on abilities rather than limitations, this evolving terminology encourages society to embrace diversity in all its forms, fostering a deeper sense of equality and respect. Engaging in open dialogues about language and its impact can promote a more inclusive environment for all - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.