Just Between Us: Disability Language, Pride & Power

Your co-hosts Erin & Lily bring another “Just Between Us” conversation to Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong. This time, they’re diving into disability language: why euphemisms like “differently abled” miss the mark, how identity-first vs. person-first language is used, and why words matter.

They share stories from their own journeys—how language has shaped their identities, how it can affirm or erase, and why offering grace and education is often the most powerful tool. With humor, honesty, and a few reframes, Erin and Lily show how shared vocabulary can build connection and strengthen advocacy.

Timestamps

00:38 Just Between Us: why language matters

01:40 Creating a disability language guide for Easterseals

02:40 Why euphemisms like “differently abled” don’t work

03:09 Identity-first vs. person-first explained

04:25 The importance of respecting personal preference

05:41 Autistic identity and self-definition

07:12 Erin’s shift from person-first to identity-first

08:55 Why treatment matters more than terminology

10:15 Writing and marketing with respectful language

Connect with Lily Newton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-newton-3b0b5b229

Website: https://www.easterseals.com/

Connect with Erin Hawley

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhawley2

Website: https://www.easterseals.com/