What does it mean to be PCD? A real, human and necessary look at this acronym

Hey, Angels! This is Lola Lourenço speaking. Today I want to talk to you about a serious, necessary and deeply personal topic. A subject that has been part of my life since my first day here: the real meaning of the acronym PCD, which represents People with Disabilities, and why the correct use of this term is so important - not only for me, but for millions of people in Brazil and worldwide. It is essential that we understand the impact that language and terminology have on people’s lives, especially when it comes to identifying and respecting human diversity.

This is not a technical text, distant or cold. It is a text written by someone who lives this reality every day, who faces the challenges that arise in a world that is often not prepared to welcome diversity. I feel in my skin the challenges, the achievements, the overlooked looks, the physical and social barriers - and, above all, the possibilities that can arise when we are seen and treated with dignity. My story is only one among many, but it is a story that reflects the daily struggle of so many other people who, like me, seek their place in a society that is often still exclusionary and full of prejudices.

To talk about being PCD is to talk about people. It’s an invitation for us to look beyond the limitations that society often attributes to us. It’s about citizenship, about fighting for equal rights and inclusion in all aspects of life - from education to the job market. It is a matter of dignity, of having the right to be who we are, to have access to opportunities and to be able to participate actively in community life. And, more importantly, it is about the kind of society we are building - or failing to build. A society that should be inclusive, that values diversity and recognizes that every person, regardless of their abilities, has something valuable to offer.

We urgently need to discuss and reflect on how the terminology we use can shape perceptions and attitudes. The term PCD should not just be an acronym, but a symbol of respect and recognition. When we talk about people with disabilities, we should always remember that we are referring to individuals with stories, dreams, challenges and achievements.Each person is unique and brings with them a wealth of experiences that deserve to be valued. Therefore, when we use the acronym PCD, we should do so with the intention of promoting inclusion and empathy, contributing to a fairer and more equal world for all.

What does the acronym PCD mean?

In general, the three-letter acronym known as PCD is an abbreviation for Person with Disability. This expression carries with it a much more complex and important symbolism than you imagine behind its creation. The concept of PCD is not limited to a technical definition, but reflects a social reality that involves rights, inclusion and respect for human diversity.

However, before anything else, I want you to take a good look at something very important and that is the main point of this acronym: the word "person" comes before "disability". This is not a mere grammatical detail; it is, in fact, a social positioning that emphasizes the dignity and individuality of each human being. By putting the person first, we recognize that above any condition there is a human being with his own experiences, dreams and rights.

According to the definition adopted by the United Nations (UN), a person with disability is one who has long-term disabilities - which may be physical, sensory, intellectual or mental - that, in interaction with barriers, may limit their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. This definition is fundamental because it broadens the understanding of what it really means to have a disability, emphasizing that the focus should be on the interaction between the person and the environment surrounding them.

Notice something essential here: Disability is not isolated in the person. It arises in the interaction with the barriers that society imposes. This means that the limitations faced by a person with disabilities are often not inherent to their condition, but rather result from an environment that is not inclusive and accessible.

In other words:

• It’s not just about the body, but about how the body interacts with the world around it.

• It’s not just about a clinical condition, but about the acceptance and social support that the person receives.

• It’s not just about diagnosis, but about understanding and respecting individual needs.

• It is about accessibility, which must be guaranteed in all public and private spaces.

• It’s about structure, which includes adapting environments to be inclusive.

• It’s about opportunities, which must be offered equally to everyone.

• It is about the gaze of society, which must be of inclusion and respect for human diversity.

  
  

Often, the greatest limitation is not in the handicap itself, but in the lack of ramps, the absence of elevators, the inaccessible communication, tthe misinformation and, unfortunately, the prejudice that still permeates society. It is crucial that we promote a change of mindset, where the inclusion of people with disabilities is not seen only as a legal obligation, but as an ethical and moral value that enriches social coexistence and cultural diversity. The real challenge is to build a world where barriers are broken down and where all people, regardless of their limitations, can participate fully and worthily in society.

Why is PCD so important?

For decades, people with disabilities have been called by pejorative, capacitative, and dehumanizing terms that perpetuated stigma and reinforced prejudice. These terms not only dehumanized individuals but also reduced them to mere classifications, disregarding the complexity of their lives and experiences. Words that reduced the individual to his limitation and erased his identity, his dreams, his abilities and his humanity, generated an environment of exclusion and marginalization, where people’s potentialities were often ignored.

It is in this context that the expression "Person with Disability" arises as an attempt to break with this harmful logic. It not only recognizes disability as a characteristic of the person, but also emphasizes that this characteristic should not be the only way to define the identity of the individual. This change in terminology is fundamental because it affirms the plurality of human experiences, where disability is only one of the many facets that make up a person’s life.

The language we use builds mindsets, and in turn, these mindsets shape behaviors. When we adopt a more inclusive and respectful language, we are contributing to a social environment that values diversity and promotes acceptance. This is a crucial step in building a society that not only recognizes but also celebrates differences.

When we use the correct term, we are:

• Combating historical stigmas that have been perpetuated over time, helping to deconstruct negative narratives associated with disability.

• Reducing structural prejudices that manifest themselves in various spheres of social life, such as the labor market, education and access to public services.

• Promoting respect, creating a space where people are seen and treated with dignity, regardless of their limitations.

• Strengthening the guarantee of rights, since the correct language is a fundamental step for the claim and defense of the rights of people with disabilities.

• Building more humane narratives that reflect the richness of the experiences lived by these people, allowing their stories to be told in a more complete and authentic way.

Language matters a lot. And in the case of people with disabilities, it directly impacts dignity and citizenship. By using the term "Person with a Disability", we are not only making a linguistic choice, but we are in fact contributing to building a more just and inclusive society. This change may seem subtle, but its repercussions are profound and far-reaching, affecting how people see themselves and how they are viewed by others. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to promote and disseminate this terminology, as it is a reflection of the respect we owe to all individuals, regardless of their conditions. Social transformation begins with language, and each word has the power to shape realities.

When did this term officially come to be adopted?

In Brazil, the use of the term PCD, which means People with Disabilities, gained momentum from the 2000s, a period that was marked by significant global advances in human rights and the fight for equality and social inclusion. This movement has not occurred in isolation; it is part of a broader context of social and political transformation, where awareness of the rights of people with disabilities has begun to be a priority on government agendas and in civil society.

A key milestone in this process was the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an international treaty adopted by the United Nations in 2006. This document represents a decisive step for the promotion and protection of the rights of people with disabilities worldwide. Brazil, recognizing the importance of this convention, incorporated it into its legal system in 2008, giving it constitutional status. This incorporation is extremely relevant from a legal point of view, as it establishes a solid basis for the implementation of public policies and affirmative action aimed at ensuring equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Later, in 2015, the Brazilian Law of Inclusion of the Disabled Person (Law no. 13.146/2015) was enacted, which is widely known as the Status of the Disabled Person. This law is a legal framework that consolidates and expands the rights of people with disabilities in Brazil, promoting a series of guarantees aimed at the full and effective inclusion of this population in society. The law establishes clear guidelines for the promotion of accessibility and for the elimination of barriers that may limit the participation of persons with disabilities in various aspects of social, economic and cultural life.

This law guarantees fundamental rights related to:

• Inclusive education: ensuring that everyone has access to quality education, tailored to each individual’s specific needs.

• Labor market: promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, ensuring equal opportunities and fair working conditions.

• Urban accessibility: setting standards for public and private spaces to be accessible, allowing people with disabilities to move around and enjoy the city without obstacles.

• Digital accessibility: ensuring that information and services available on the internet are accessible to all, regardless of their limitations.

• Transport: ensuring that public transport systems are adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

• Health: promoting access to adequate and specialized health services to serve the population with disabilities.

• Culture: encouraging the participation of people with disabilities in cultural activities, ensuring that they can enjoy and contribute to the country’s cultural diversity.

• Political participation: ensuring that people with disabilities have a voice and can actively participate in political and social life, contributing to the construction of policies that directly affect them.

The goal was never to label, but rather to ensure visibility, legal protection and dignity for a historically marginalized group. The adoption of the term PCD and the implementation of specific legislation reflect a commitment to building a more just and inclusive society, where everyone can fully exercise their rights and live with dignity. This paradigm shift is essential to promote equality of opportunity and for people with disabilities to be recognized not just for their limitations, but for their capabilities and contributions to society.

Data that show the scale of this reality

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), approximately 18.6 million Brazilians aged 2 years or more have some type of disability, which represents about 8.9% of the population in this age group. This statistic not only highlights the diversity among Brazilian citizens, but also highlights the urgent need for public policies and social initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility for all. Disability can manifest in various forms, including physical, sensory, intellectual and multiple disabilities, each of which presents unique challenges that need to be addressed adequately and effectively.

On the global stage, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability - roughly 16% of the world’s population. This alarming figure underscores that disability is not a country-specific or regional issue; it is a reality that affects millions across continents. Moreover, the WHO notes that in many cases, people with disabilities face significant barriers to access health care, education, and employment, which limits their opportunities to participate fully in society.

We are not talking about a small or isolated group. We are talking about a significant portion of society that, despite its difficulties, contributes in valuable ways to the social and economic fabric. The inclusion and appreciation of these people are fundamental to the construction of a more just and equitable society.

• They are students, who seek quality education and opportunities to develop their skills and talents, facing challenges that often go beyond the academic environment.

• They are professionals, who perform essential functions in several areas, bringing a unique and innovative perspective to the labor market, despite the barriers they may encounter in their careers.

• They are creators, who use their creativity and vision to develop projects and products that often challenge conventional norms, contributing to cultural and artistic diversity.

• They are entrepreneurs, who with courage and determination seek to build their own businesses, facing not only the challenges of the market but also the limitations imposed by society.

• They are artists, who express their experiences and emotions through art, enriching culture and promoting a deep reflection on the human condition.

• They are leaders, who inspire others to fight for their rights and seek social change, showing that disability is not an obstacle but a part of human diversity that should be celebrated.

• They are people, with stories of life, dreams, ambitions and contributions that deserve to be recognized and valued by the whole society.

The importance of society for PCD - and of PCD for society

An inclusive society does not benefit only those with disabilities; in fact, it brings significant benefits to the entire population. When a city takes the initiative to install access ramps, for example, it is not only making life easier for people with disabilities, but also improving mobility for seniors, pregnant women, and people using strollers. This improvement in urban infrastructure promotes a more harmonious and accessible coexistence, allowing everyone to move more easily and safely.

In addition, when a video is subtitled, it not only helps deaf people understand the content but also becomes a valuable tool for those who watch videos in public environments, such as mass transportation, where the use of headphones may not be feasible. The inclusion of subtitles, therefore, serves a wider audience, demonstrating that accessibility is a universal benefit that transcends barriers of disability.

Similarly, when a website is designed to be accessible, it not only meets the needs of people with disabilities but also broadens the business reach by allowing more people to interact with its products and services. This results in a more diverse and dynamic market, where inclusion translates into opportunities for economic growth.

• Inclusion generates innovation, creating an environment where different perspectives meet and complement each other.

• Diversity generates creativity, as the exchange of ideas between individuals with varied experiences results in more creative and effective solutions.

• Accessibility generates growth, allowing all members of society to contribute fully and productively.

Companies that invest in diversity and inclusion not only fulfill a social function, but also tend to achieve better rates of innovation and organizational performance. This reality is not just an emotional discourse; it’s a smart strategy that results in competitive advantage in the market. The commitment to inclusion and diversity can be a differentiator that attracts talent and customers, as well as strengthen the brand’s reputation.

The look of those who live this every day

Being PCD does not mean living in a constant state of overcoming or suffering without end. It is crucial to understand that the experience of being a disabled person is much more complex and rich than these simplistic narratives.

Is living.

It is living with real challenges, no doubt, but also with ambitions, vanity, desires, talents, power, big dreams and bold goals. The life of a person with a disability is full of nuances and possibilities, and what matters most is not the disability itself, but the structural capacity that permeates society. This capacitism manifests itself in several ways, such as the pained gaze that is often directed at people with disabilities, the silent exclusion that becomes part of everyday life, and the lack of real opportunities that limits each individual’s potential.

When society begins to understand that inclusion is not a granted favor, but an inalienable right, the game changes completely. This change of perspective is crucial for building a more just and equal world.

Inclusion is not charity. It’s right.

The Brazilian Law of Inclusion of the Person with Disability makes this clear: accessibility is a legal obligation that must be respected by all. This legislation was created to ensure that people with disabilities have their rights respected and can participate fully in society. People with disabilities do not seek special treatment or privileges. They want equal conditions and opportunities that allow them to live their lives fully and worthily.

• They want to study, accessing educational institutions that offer adequate resources for their learning.

• Work, contributing your skills and knowledge to the job market.Empreender, criando negócios que reflitam suas paixões e talentos.

• Circular, using public spaces that are accessible and welcoming.

• To produce, contributing with their creations for culture and economy.

• Consume, having access to products and services without barriers.

• Create, expressing oneself artistically and innovating in various areas.

• To exist fully, living with dignity and respect, like anyone else.

  
  

Rights are not concessions or favors. They are constitutional guarantees that must be respected and promoted at all levels of society. True inclusion is a collective commitment, which requires everyone’s participation so that we can build a more equitable and accessible future for all citizens, regardless of their abilities. Every step toward inclusion is a step toward a more just and harmonious society.

To reflect

Talking about the acronym and especially being PCD is talking about humanity. About collective responsibility, about social evolution. It’s not just about adapting physical spaces. It’s about transforming mindsets.

That this text serves to broaden awareness, adjust vocabulary, provoke reflection and encourage more responsible attitudes. If you made it this far, thank you for reading carefully. And if you are PCD, like me, I want you to remember:

You are not defined by a limitation. You are defined by your existence, your power, and your history.

Your voice matters.

Your presence matters.

Your right to occupy spaces matters.

Until the next post Angels. With love from your sister, Lola Lourenço.