A Word That Says Everything: People of Determination

It wasn’t at a government office or a hospital.
It wasn’t part of a formal campaign or a staged announcement.

It was hanging quietly above a checkout lane in a supermarket in Dubai — a bold blue sign that read:
“People of Determination”
Dedicated Counter

And in that moment, a simple sign said more about respect, dignity, and societal values than a thousand speeches ever could.

A History of Labels

Over the years, society has used many terms to describe individuals with physical or mental challenges:

• Crippled – harsh and outdated.
• Handicapped – once standard, now considered limiting and impersonal.
• Disabled – technically accurate, but still focused on what someone lacks.
• Physically challenged – softer, but still implies a problem.
• Special needs / Differently-abled – well-intentioned, but often feel euphemistic.

Each version has reflected a particular era’s mindset. But most of them frame people in terms of limitation — of what they can’t do, or how they deviate from the norm.

Why “People of Determination” Is Different

The phrase People of Determination was introduced by the UAE’s leadership not as a euphemism, but as a redefinition.

It doesn't dwell on physical or cognitive differences.
It doesn’t suggest brokenness or neediness.
It highlights strength.

It recognizes that what truly defines someone isn’t what they can’t do — it’s what they push through.

Determination is universal.
It’s human.
And in many ways, it’s the most important ability of all.

When Language Shapes Culture

What made that supermarket sign so moving was not just the words themselves — but the setting.

This wasn’t a government PR campaign.
It wasn’t part of a staged event.
It was a checkout lane. In a grocery store. For everyday people.

And that’s the point.

When words like People of Determination show up in everyday life, they don’t just reflect change — they create it. They normalize respect. They bake dignity into the routine fabric of society.

It’s Just a Word… But It Isn’t

A word can stigmatize.
A word can inspire.
A word can shape how a child sees themselves — or how a stranger chooses to treat them.

In this case, People of Determination isn't just more inclusive — it's aspirational.

It celebrates grit. It honors resilience. It elevates the conversation.

And in the aisles of a supermarket in Dubai, it reminded me that the right word, used intentionally, can carry everything we hope for in a more compassionate world.

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