Tips for Avoiding Ableist Language and Terms

Resources
Written By Sam Morales

July is Disability Pride/Awareness Month. The Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark law that prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities, was signed into law on July 26, 1990.

As we know from our work in theater, the specific language we use is important. It conveys meaning, intention, and respect. The words we use matter. They reflect our values.

There are certain words and phrases that are commonly used that are not inclusive to all members of our community.

We are sharing this resource as it's something we continue to work on and stay mindful of. Everyone on the IndieSpace team has used some of these phrases from time to time, and we are always working to be more inclusive and respectful to everyone in our community.

When to Use Person-Centered Language

In recent years many organizations and institutions have worked to adjust language choices to be centered on a person and avoid defining them by a mental illness, disability, or situation in their life.

Examples of this language are:

  • A person with diabetes vs. a diabetic

  • People without housing vs. the homeless

  • A person with a substance use disorder vs. an addict

  • A person who stutters vs. a stutterer

Whenever possible, please use person-centered language - this is language and descriptions that put the individual(s) before a diagnosis. It is better to describe what a person "has" or is "experiencing" rather than using language that defines what a person "is." This helps us avoid marginalizing or dehumanizing someone (either consciously or subconsciously).

However, there are times in which attempts at using person-centered language may undermine an individual with a disability. Or an individual themselves prefers to be addressed with identity-first language.

This is a helpful explanation from a Verbit blog post:

"Identity-first language involves putting the disability first because many people feel that their disability is a crucial aspect of their identity. These individuals may refer to themselves and request that you refer to them as a "blind person" rather than "person who is blind." Respecting personal choices is more important than selecting a "best practice" and following it even if the person you're referring to objects.

In general, person-first is a respectful way to discuss people with disabilities. However, a good approach is to opt for person-first but to stay flexible when someone requests otherwise."

Don't Use Euphemisms

There are several words that some individuals have used in an attempt to soften the language used for people with disabilities.

Some of these phrases include challenged, differently-abled, diversability, handicapable, physically-challenged, special needs, and specially-abled

These words, however well-intentioned, are insulting and condescending to people with disabilities. Disabled isn't a derogatory or insulting word; it's a statement of fact.

Addressing Specific Phrases

Below are specific phrases and terms that are commonly used. We explain the challenges with these words and alternatives.

Blind spot / Blind to the facts / Turn a blind eye

These are similar phrases and terms that use being blind to convey something negative. It uses vision impairment to describe a lack of knowledge or willful ignorance. This characterization isn't respectful of people who are blind or have a vision impairment.

Alternatives: Disregard, Indifferent, Uninformed

Crazy / Insane

Many people use phrases like "That's so crazy!" or "He was acting totally insane."

These words can be stigmatizing for those that experience mental illness. Many individuals have shared their reluctance, fear, and anxiety in seeking mental health support because they may be labeled by friends, colleagues, or loved ones as crazy or insane.

Even when you're using these words to describe an action, situation, or political decision, it can be difficult for others. So it's best to use a more specific term that doesn't carry the same stigma for some individuals.

Alternatives: Unbelievable, Ridiculous, Bananas (in an informal setting)

Lame

Lame is a ubiquitous word used to describe something or a situation that is bad, frustrating, or dull. However, many don't know (or remember) that the word's definition is to have a body part, especially a limb, so disabled as to impair freedom of movement.

Better word options and choices don't use a term historically used to describe a person's illness.

Alternatives: Dull, Unenjoyable, Unoriginal

Spastic / Spaz

Lizzo recently used the word spaz in an offensive way in a song. After receiving feedback from her fans, she apologized and changed the song.

The term "spaz" comes from the word "spastic." This term has been used to describe individuals with spastic paralysis or cerebral palsy. From NPR – "Often used in a derogatory way to describe people with disabilities, "spaz" or "spaz out" has also been used to refer to someone losing physical control or simply acting "weird" or "uncool."

Alternatives: Clumsy, Erratic, Uncontrolled

Tone Deaf / Falls on deaf ears

This is similar to the blind spot note above. These terms are used to describe negative actions by using someone else's disability.

Alternatives: Ignored, Inconsiderate, Insensitive,

Addressing Complaints About Being Politically Correct

When discussing the need to update and refine language choices or cultural practices, some individuals complain about having to make adjustments. While we see fewer of these complaints in the indie theater community, some may express frustration and complain that steps to reduce the use of ableist terms are overly politically correct.

Avoiding these types of words and phrases is showing people respect. The words we use and what they mean are constantly evolving – it's one of the beautiful aspects of language.

Just as people have stopped using certain words that have been racist, homophobic, or sexist, we have the opportunity to stop using words that stigmatize and dehumanize people.

Sam Morales
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