Similar to the last word we evaluated as part of the Ableist Language Series here on The Rolling Explorer, the word, “handicap,” has a very clear offense warning within the definition itself. But, in case that wasn’t enough, let’s talk about the other reasons you should avoid using this word.
Definition of “Dumb”
1a: lacking intelligence: STUPID
1b: showing a lack of intelligence
1c: requiring no intelligence
2a: lacking the human power of speech
2b of a person, dated, offensive, lacking the ability to speak: MUTE
3: temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or astonishment)
4: not expressed in uttered words
5: SILENT
*All definitions are from the Merriam Webster Dictionary
How Is “Differently-Abled” Ableist?
To understand the answer to this question, we must first examine the reason WHY people use “differently-abled” as their go-to term to describe someone with a disability.
The simple answer is this: they believe “differently-abled” is less offensive than the disabled person’s actual identity (disabled).
I know I’ve said this a million times on social media and that at least 3 other blog posts begin with this same sentiment, but that’s because it is so glaringly obvious.
2020 was the worst. It’s been mentally and physically draining for pretty much everyone around the world. But, no group or community has felt the full blow like the disability community.
The disability community has once again been forced into hiding thanks to the irresponsible behavior of our neighbors. Our worth has been called into question by both strangers on the street and medical professionals. It truly felt as if we were shoved backward through time. As the disability community shouted and exclaimed their joy over the 30th anniversary of the ADA, we were simultaneously being silenced.
In today’s blog post I talk about becoming a better disability community ally in 2021 and some basic easy steps you can take to do better this year.
Definition of “deranged”
1. mentally unsound
2. disturbed or disordered in function, structure, or condition
3. wildly odd or eccentric
All definitions are from the Merriam Webster dictionary
Engagement and statistics are great, but at the end of the day, activists, advocates, and small businesses need a little bit more than a like on Instagram. Seeing as we are in the middle of the holiday season and many people are looking for the perfect gifts to give to their loved ones, I thought it would be good to put together a list of some disabled owned small businesses that could really use your support this year.
In this blog post, I will do a close examination of the word “deaf” and explain why you should not be using it for any other reason than for identification.
The issue with “cripple” becomes painfully obvious once you place its original definition next to the ones that we, as a society, have crafted above. Stemming from the Old English words “crypel,” meaning to creep (ie. limp) and “creopere,” or someone that creeps (ie. limps), you can see that the word originated as a pure identifier/descriptor.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month or NDEAM. This article will answer the following questions:
What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
Why do we celebrate NDEAM in the US?
How can I participate?
Why do people with disabilities celebrate both NDEAM and Disability Pride Month (July)?
How can this year’s NDEAM theme (INCREASING ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY) actually be implemented in the workplace?
The Presidential Debate on Tuesday night was embarrassing to watch as an American citizen for many reasons. But, almost more troubling than the screaming match itself was America’s response to the two candidates.
To the best of my ability, I intend for this article to be unbiased in nature. Many of you who follow me across multiple platforms most likely already know my political leanings. That said, I would like to use this space to comment on the response to the presidential debate, rather than the content of the debate itself.
As a digital marketing professional and lifestyle blogger, I spend a lot of time on social media. I love connecting with my community online, but when you’re scrolling, there is no telling what you will come across. Immediately following the debate on Tuesday night, I jumped on Facebook and Twitter to see what my friends, family, and favorite personalities had to say about the event.
I was appalled by what I saw.