Today’s word is “spaz.” Keep reading to learn why this word is inherently ableist and discover alternatives you can begin to use in its place.
Turning Disability Discrimination Into Creative Inspiration – College Years
3 years ago this week, I graduated from the University of Notre Dame with my BA in English and a minor in Business Economics
After graduating, I founded The Rolling Explorer, a blog dedicated to sharing my experiences as a disabled, young woman living in the 21st century
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – Insane Edition
Insane Definition:
in a state of mind which prevents normal perception, behavior, or social interaction; seriously mentally ill.
(of an action or quality) characterized or caused by madness.
extremely annoyed.
extremely foolish; irrational.
shocking; outrageous.
9 Post-Covid Anxieties I Have As A Chronically Ill & Disabled Woman
Let me just start off today’s blog post by saying this: It is 100% natural and valid to hate this pandemic and all the pain it’s caused around the world, but still be nervous for it to end. Post-Covid anxieties are very real and should be taken seriously. Not only do many of them highlight parts of our society’s structure that could be improved, but they also matter to several people you love and care about.
Today, I am sharing my list of post-covid anxieties as a chronically ill and disabled young woman in order to get people thinking about the ways we can ensure a return to normalcy doesn’t impede on people’s ability to live.
6 Things YOU Can Do In 2021 To Be A Better Disability Community Ally
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.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Deranged” Edition
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
12 Deaf and Disabled-Owned Small Businesses to Support This Holiday Season
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.
Everything You Need To Know About Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) In 2021
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?
Learning How To Drive As An Amputee
I grew up in a small, farming community, so driver’s education is a part of the high school curriculum. The big question on the table was whether or not I would be participating in the behind-the-wheel portion of the class and learning how to drive with the rest of my peers.
Having zero neurological or mental deficits and being proficient at Mario Kart, I didn’t fully understand why the school even bothered asking. OF COURSE I WOULD BE DRIVING! HOW SILLY!
But, I quickly understood it was much more involved than I originally thought.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Blind” Edition
Raise your hand if you have heard or said any one of the following sentences in the past week.
“My friend set me up on a blind date this afternoon.”
“Are you blind? The remote is right in front of you!”
“Ugh, I swear I am blind without my glasses!”