Invalid:  adjective = null and void

Published 11 December 2007, Posted in Northland / 1 Comment

... inoperative, unsound.
This is the meaning of the word ‘invalid’ from the Collins dictionary. It is also the word that the New Zealand Government uses to name the benefit some disabled people receive.

The government this year passed a bill called the Social Security Amendment Bill.  The main objective of the bill was to get people of the Invalids Benefit and into work.

As we all know the main barrier to paid work for disabled people is employer’s attitude and discrimination.  The continued use of this word does not help to change these attitudes.
We have a Minister of Disability Issues who describes herself as an advocate and a champion for disabled people.  However we still have a government who uses an antiquated and derogatory word to label anyone who receives an Invalids Benefit because they cannot get paid work because of their disability.
Imagine if the Ministry of Social Development called the DPB the “Slappers” Benefit.

Disabled people constantly endure language that marginalises and denigrates who they are.  Ever hear the use of the word ‘lame’ to describe something as feeble or poor?  Where do you think that came from?

What are your thoughts?