In recent years, the term "lived experience" has become a popular way to describe the personal, day-to-day realities of individuals who navigate life with impairments. While this term has been widely adopted and serves a purpose, it carries an inherent flaw that deserves examination and reconsideration. This flaw lies in the very nature of the term "lived," which paradoxically implies a past-tense experience. As if disability is something one has merely survived, rather than something that continues to shape their daily life.

This linguistic peculiarity strikes me as bordering on the absurd. The notion of a "lived experience" versus a "dead experience" is patently ridiculous—after all, experiences are inherently part of living. When we speak of someone's lived experience, we often unintentionally place their ongoing reality into the past, as though the challenges and nuances of their disability are not a present, active part of their life.

I propose that we shift our language to better reflect the continuous, dynamic nature of disability. The term "living experience" offers a more authentic representation. It acknowledges that disability is not a static, completed chapter of one's life, but a continuous journey, one that involves adapting, learning, and growing every single day.

Why "Living" is More Authentic

"Living experience" captures the essence of ongoing existence. It speaks to the daily realities, the evolving challenges, and the persistent resilience required to navigate a world that often fails to accommodate disabled people. By using "living," we emphasize that these experiences are current and continuous, not confined to the past.

This term honors the fact that individuals with impairments are actively living their experiences every day. It underscores their agency and the immediacy of their challenges and achievements. It reminds us that disability is an integral part of life, not an isolated event or a finished story.

A Call to Action

Language shapes our understanding of the world and influences our attitudes and actions. By adopting the term "living experience of disability," we can foster a more accurate and respectful discourse around disability. This shift in language can help dismantle outdated perceptions and promote a more inclusive society.

Let's commit to using "living experience" in our leading conversations, writings, and advocacy work. By doing so, we can better honor the realities of disabled people and contribute to a culture that recognizes and values their ongoing journeys.

Conclusion

It's time to move beyond the static and somewhat misleading term "lived experience." By embracing "living experience," we can more authentically capture the ongoing realities of disability and ensure that our language reflects the continuous, dynamic nature of these experiences. Let’s make this small but significant change in our vocabulary and, in doing so, contribute to a more understanding and inclusive world.

So, the next time you find yourself discussing disability, remember: it’s not just a lived experience—it’s a living experience. And it’s time we start acknowledging it as such.