Many people have tried to make sense of a moment in which a sitting president suggests that a person with a learning disability isn’t fit to be president, and that is more than insulting; it’s harmful.
When public figures reinforce inaccurate narratives, such as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., describing autism as a “tragedy” or “burden,” they do more than misspeak; they cause immeasurable damage.
We can do better. And we must.
Disability Is Part of the Human Experience
Disability is common. More than 1 in 4 adults in the United States lives with a disability, according to the CDC. In public schools, 7.5 million students ages 3 to 21 received special education and related services under IDEA in 2022–23, representing 15% of all public school students nationwide.
That means every classroom, workplace, and community includes people with disabilities, whether visible or not.
Disability does not define a person’s intelligence, potential, or value. It represents one aspect of a person’s identity and lived experience. When leaders speak about disability with respect and accuracy, they help shift the narrative from a focus on limitations to one of inclusion.
Why Language Shapes Inclusion
Language does not exist in a vacuum. It reflects beliefs, reinforces attitudes, and influences behavior. When people use outdated or harmful terms, they reinforce stigma and stereotypes that people with disabilities already face.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stigma and prejudice toward people with disabilities often stem from misconceptions, such as the belief that disability limits a person’s intelligence, quality of life, or ability to contribute meaningfully.
Using a disability as an insult reinforces harmful narratives about ability, worth, and belonging.
For students, especially, those messages stick. A child who hears disability used as a punchline may internalize shame. A student with a disability may feel unseen or unsafe. A future leader may learn that exclusion feels normal.
Why Leadership Accountability Matters
Leadership sets the tone.
When inclusive language is modeled, it shapes environments where respect becomes the norm. When they fail to address harmful language, it spreads.
Accountability does not mean punishment. It means:
- Addressing harmful language when it happens
- Creating clear expectations for respectful communication
- Providing training and resources on inclusive language
- Modeling growth and humility when mistakes occur
Young people notice when adults correct themselves. They notice when leaders speak up. They notice when inclusion becomes more than a buzzword.
The Real Harm of Casual Remarks
Even if people do not intend harm when they use vitriolic language, the impact matters more than intent.
When leaders use dismissive language, they:
- Normalize bias and ableism
- Lower expectations for inclusion
- Silence students and individuals who feel targeted
- Undermine trust within classrooms and communities
- Reinforce a medical model of disability
The CDC emphasizes that attitudinal barriers, such as stigma and stereotypes, remain one of the most significant obstacles to full participation for people with disabilities.
Disability does not define a deficit, and we should never frame it that way. A single comment may seem small, but it contributes to a much larger system of exclusion.
Moving Beyond Harmful Narratives
We must not define disability as a deficit or frame it that way. That narrative centers on ableism, ignorance, and the medical model of disability.
A more accurate and respectful perspective recognizes disability as a valued part of human diversity.
Organizations like the World Health Organization emphasize that disability arises not only from a person’s condition, but from the barriers created by society, whether physical, social, or attitudinal.
When leaders shift their language, they help shift that reality.
A Call to Lead with Care
Words matter. They always have.
Leaders don’t need to have all the answers, but they do need to take responsibility for the impact of their words. Growth begins with listening, learning, and choosing language that reflects dignity and respect.
We all have a role to play in shaping a culture where every individual feels valued.
And that starts with what we say and how we choose to say it.
Instead of treating disability as a measure of intelligence, we must focus on removing inaccessible systems and dismantling discriminatory attitudes.
As explored in our previous article, The Importance of Naming, language shapes reality. When we choose words that are respectful and inclusive, we affirm the dignity and value of every individual, and move closer to a society where everyone belongs.
At Changing Perspectives, we center lived experience. In a time when influential voices continue to reinforce ableist thinking and the medical model of disability, the need for change is urgent. We must prioritize education and build systems grounded in asset-based mindsets, anti-ableist action, and the social model of disability.
