Use of language that seeks inclusion.
The importance of language cannot be overstated. Using and working with language and systems of knowledge that are meaningful to local people opens the gateways. Whereas professional discourse often create fear confusion and even mistrust. To often people and communities are labelled and blamed for all the problems that they encounter and services take a back seat.
‘Well they do not understand English’,
‘The problem is’ etc
The problem is projected outward and no responsibility is taken. The social model of disability challenges these practices and places the onus on society, service providers, and employers to make adjustments that will develop pathways to inclusion for disabled people. Similarly those living with mental distress do not want to be stigmatized, or their culture and tradition being seen as the problem, indeed this causes further distress.
So the language we use is and will continue to be inclusive and will provide people living with distress the space to articulate their own lived experiences.