Should we say "functional diversity" to refer to "disability"?

Abstract

This article addresses "political correctness" (PC) regarding the rights of people with disabilities and specifically the state of the question in Spain. First, we focus on the expression itself and clarify what is understood by PC. This implies reviewing, albeit briefly, the main conceptual and ideological framework PC is grounded in. Second, we describe the new conceptualisation of disability given by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, tasked with ensuring compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In Spain, this Convention is about to give rise to substantial legislative reforms in civil and procedural matters, leading to a turnaround in the way the matter has been traditionally treated. Thirdly, we expose a critique of the demands to turn "functional diversity" into the sole politically correct expression to refer to the condition of people with disabilities. To finish, I come back to the question of PC and present my position on the effects of this doctrine on the prevention of discrimination against marginalised groups.