Shifting Away from "Buddies"

The language you use is extremely important and often can be interpreted as your level of respect. It is important that we are being intentional with our words in order to create an inclusive environment. Best Buddies is switching from using the term “Buddies” to “Friends/Participants with IDDs” to refer to members of the club with disabilities. The name of the club is going to stay the same, and this is a switch that every chapter is making. It is also important to know the difference between the terms “disabled” and “differently abled.” Many people think that the term “differently abled” would be preferred, but this is not the case. By using the term “differently abled” it can be interpreted that you are uncomfortable with someone’s disability, or that there is something wrong with being disabled while this is not the case at all. Please use disabled over differently abled. Differently abled was a term created by abled-bodied people. The ADA also puts protections into place for people with disabilities so the terminology used for people with disabilities is important. It is also important not to use the word “special” other than when referring to “special education.” Our friends with disabilities do not have “special needs,” they have needs just like you and me.