Dr. Carrie Snyder is Temple University’s Director of Disability Resources and Services, leading a team that provides students with the appropriate accommodations they need to access the campus community. Dr. Snyder brings to Temple a long and distinguished record of advocacy and education in the disability field and in higher education. She joined Temple in May 2022, and has already made a tremendous impact. Dr. Snyder graciously shared her insights with the Idealist.
Idealist:
How should we address persons with disabilities?
Dr. Snyder:
It varies. Some prefer identity-first language like "disabled person" or "autistic." Others prefer person-first language, such as "person with a disability" or "person with autism." Communities often have preferences; for instance, person-first language is common in mental health contexts. It’s the difference between referring to someone as a schizophrenic vs. a person with schizophrenia which is most often preferred. I adapt, using both to honor diverse perspectives.
Idealist:
Can you talk about a few of the ways we might approach disabilities that are harmful and disrespectful.
Dr. Snyder:
"Inspiration porn" is damaging, portraying disabled individuals as inspiration for viewers who are not disabled. For example, photos or videos showing disabled children achieving feats with captions like "what's your excuse?" evoke pity and diminish their achievements. We shouldn't pedestalize their accomplishments, as it overlooks their hard work. We tend to use inspiration porn to make ourselves feel better. We reason that our lives could be so much worse; I could be them, and it makes me feel better about me and my situation.
Idealist:
What’s the better approach?
Dr. Snyder:
Treating people like people! And while benevolence and philanthropy have merit, we shouldn't use it to avoid addressing deeper problems by seeking easy gratification. We must also look at the systemic issues and ask the hard questions that get to the root of the problem. Why are there inequities, insufficient resources, and discrimination?