As the saying goes, “Words create worlds.” Nowhere is this more evident than in the language we use to describe disability. For a long time, Indonesia officially used the term penyandang cacat. It appeared in Law No. 4/1997. Cacat means damaged, imperfect, or failed. The word is also more appropriate when used in the context of objects. It is a simple word that carries a heavy stigma. How can a human being be equated with an object? It makes people feel different in a demeaning way. The use of the term penyandang cacat immediately drew negative responses from many people and communities for years.
In 2016, a major shift took place. With the passing of Law No. 8/2016, the term changed to penyandang disabilitas. This phrase then began to be used globally, especially in formal contexts. For example, in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Even though changes have been made, the word cacat is still used quite often despite the negative response it receives. The word was used first, and many old documents use it. For some people, it has become a habit.
Changes in the law have not stopped the debate, which continues to this day. People in different spaces continue to use a variety of terms but still accept the word disability well. The word disability is considered more neutral, although it does not completely eliminate the meaning of limitation or burden on a person. Then, the terms difabel and special needs appeared. Difabel is and Indonesian adaptation of “differently abled.” Many activists and community members prefer it, as it highlights ability rather than limitation. While special needs is more commonly used in education, it is not only used for children with disabilities but also for gifted or genius children. As a result, the term special needs is often considered blurry. It lacks clear distinctions and is often misapplied.
Words influence how society treats individuals. When someone is labeled cacat, they may be seen as broken and pitied, rather than respected. If someone is labeled as difabel, they often end up being separated and placed differently rather than being considered equal. With several terms that have emerged, often the biggest obstacle does not come from the person themselves but from an unfriendly environment or people’s perceptions.
Importantly, many communities prefer to define themselves on their own terms. For example, deaf people in Indonesia often prefer the term tuli. Some are more comfortable with the word disability, while others are more comfortable with difabel. The diversity of preferences shows that words are deeply personal, and the most important thing from all of it is to respect others. When we change words, we begin to change mindsets.
Writer: Sekar Pudyan