Terms Of Endearment

How do disabled people feel about the use of the word 'client' when a carer, support worker or PA refers to them as such? Personally speaking, I think it's quite a cold, impolite and impersonal term to use, reflecting the consumerist society in which we unfortunately inhabit. The reason I object to such wording is that for the most part, the disabled community have no choice but to enlist the help of paid for assistance to do the most basic of tasks and to lead a life of relative normalcy.

I remember when working for Oldham Disability Information Point, non-disabled staff members freely used the word 'customers' in relation to those with additional needs accessing specific resources. Of course, such terminology left me cold. Sadly, the concept of the Circle of Friends dictates that if you're disabled, most of your associates are on your payroll, as opposed to being with you out of choice. They're often fulfilling a requirement that either you're unable to access freely, or that no-one has any willingness to help you with. Familial ties are often strained or non-existent and genuine friendships can be hard to acquire and maintain.

It all appears to be in very poor form. The Health & Social Care sector is completely different to the private sector, therefore we shouldn't be commodified in such a callous manner. Sadly, the language of Capitalism has infiltrated all aspects of our lives, even those most vulnerable within society!

Nothing says you're not fully embraced by society and exist purely on the margins of life quite like someone reminding you that you're 'purchasing' their time and services!