Reframing disability: an exploratory study of ableism in language and its implications in Portugal

Disability models shape public perceptions and societal responses toward people with disabilities, often reinforcing ableist attitudes that marginalize them. A notable gap in literature exists regarding ableism’s impact on language. This study aimed to understand the effects of ableism in language within Portuguese society. The research involved 10 people with disabilities, living in Portugal for over 10 years. Using a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design, data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analyzed following the recommendations of thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke, revealing three main themes: (1) narratives of impairment; (2) effects of disability; and (3) combating disability. The main conclusions point out to participants’ acknowledgment of ableist language and its negative outcomes. However, participants prioritized addressing practical issues like accessibility and discrimination. The study suggests that a shift towards a social understanding of disability, alongside greater accessibility and technological access, is critical for true inclusion.