Keisha Greaves is the founder of Girls Chronically Rock, an adaptive fashion consultant, and a self-advocate. In a new blog series, Keisha will share her story, as well as her perspective on key issues for the disability community. In this entry, Keisha explains what ableism is and how advocates can combat it when they see it and hear it.
In conversations about disability and inclusion, the term ableism comes up frequently. But what does it really mean? How does it show up in everyday life, and why does language play such a significant role in dismantling it?
Ableism refers to discrimination, prejudice, or systemic barriers that disadvantage disabled people. It can be overt, like denying someone a job because of their disability, or subtle, such as using language that reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Addressing ableism is not just about big policy changes or accessibility laws; it’s also about the way we communicate and the words we use.
Many people don’t realize that certain everyday phrases are rooted in ableism, and shifting our language can be an essential step toward creating a more inclusive society.
This discussion will explore the meaning of ableism, the impact of ableist language, the ongoing debate between person, first and identity-first language, and how ableism manifests in various aspects of life. Most importantly, we’ll explore how we can reduce ableist language in a way that feels natural, respectful, and engaging rather than forced or performative.
What is Ableism?
At its core, ableism is a form of discrimination that privileges non-disabled people while marginalizing those with disabilities. It can manifest in attitudes, policies, and practices that assume disability is something negative, undesirable, or something to be “fixed.”
Ableism operates on multiple levels:
- Individual Ableism – Personal biases, assumptions, and prejudices that individuals hold.
- Institutional Ableism – Policies and systems that create barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and other fundamental aspects of life.
- Cultural Ableism – Social norms, media representation, and language that reinforce stereotypes about disability.
Examples of Ableism in Everyday Life
Ableism is often so deeply ingrained in society that many people don’t even recognize it when they see it.
Here are some examples:
- Employment Discrimination: Many workplaces assume disabled employees are less capable, leading to hiring discrimination, lack of accommodations, and fewer opportunities for career growth.
- Inaccessible Public Spaces: Many buildings, sidewalks, and transportation systems are designed without considering mobility impairments.
- Media Stereotypes: Disabled characters in movies and TV shows are often portrayed as tragic figures, villains, or sources of inspiration for non-disabled people.
- Healthcare Bias: Disabled people frequently experience medical professionals dismissing their concerns or assuming a lower quality of life.
- Casual Language: Many common phrases contain ableist language, reinforcing harmful stereotypes (more on this later).
Ableism often goes unnoticed because many societal norms were created without disabled people in mind. But one of the most pervasive and subtle forms of ableism is embedded in language.
Person-First vs. Identity-First Language
When discussing disability, the choice of language is deeply personal and often debated. The two primary approaches are:
Person-First Language (PFL)
Person-first language emphasizes the individual before their disability. It’s based on the idea that a person’s identity is not solely defined by their disability.
- Example: “A person with a disability” instead of “a disabled person.”
- Example: “A person with autism” instead of “an autistic person.”
Advocates of PFL argue that it avoids defining people by their conditions and reinforces the idea that they are more than their disability.
Identity-First Language (IFL)
Identity-first language embraces disability as an integral part of a person’s identity, much like race, gender, or nationality. Many disabled people, particularly within the Deaf and Autistic communities, prefer this approach.
- Example: “Disabled person” instead of “person with a disability.”
- Example: “Autistic person” instead of “person with autism.”
Supporters of IFL argue that disability is not something to be distanced from; it’s a key part of who they are and should be acknowledged with pride.
Which One Should You Use?
There’s no single “right” answer. The best approach is to ask individuals how they prefer to be identified. Language evolves, and respecting personal preferences is key.
Everyday Ableism in Language
Many phrases commonly used in daily conversations have ableist roots, yet most people don’t think twice about them. Here are some examples:
| Ableist Term/Phrase | Why It's Problematic | Alternative Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| "That's so lame." | Uses a term historically associated with mobility disabilities in a negative way. | “That’s so boring/uninspiring.” |
| “Are you blind?” | Assumes vision impairment is synonymous with ignorance or carelessness. | “Did you notice that?” |
| “Crazy/Insane” | Dismisses or stigmatizes mental health conditions. | “That’s unbelievable/wild.” |
| “Dumb” | Originally used to describe non-verbal individuals, now used to mean unintelligent. | “That’s not a smart idea.” |
| “Spaz” | Derives from “spastic,” historically used to mock people with cerebral palsy. | “I’m really excited/hyper.” |
These phrases may seem harmless, but they reinforce stereotypes about disability and can contribute to negative societal attitudes.
Why Reducing Ableist Language Matters
Changing the way we speak might feel like a small action, but it has a larger impact than we realize.
Here’s why:
- Language Shapes Perception
The words we use influence how we think about disability. When disability-related terms are used as insults, it reinforces the idea that being disabled is bad or undesirable.
- It Promotes Inclusion
Adjusting language helps create a more welcoming environment where disabled people don’t feel reduced to stereotypes or insults.
- It Encourages Thoughtfulness
Being mindful of language encourages greater awareness of ableism in other areas of life, from workplace policies to media representation.
- It’s a Sign of Respect
Making small changes to language shows a willingness to listen and learn from disabled communities.
Making the Shift: How to Reduce Ableist Language Naturally
If you’re used to saying certain phrases, changing them can feel unnatural at first. Here are some practical ways to make the shift without feeling forced:
- Self-Awareness Without Guilt
Realizing that you’ve used ableist language doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. Language is learned, and unlearning takes time. The key is to recognize and make adjustments moving forward.
- Replace, Don’t Just Remove
Instead of just avoiding certain words, find alternatives that still convey what you mean.
For example:
- Instead of “That idea is crazy,” try “That idea is surprising.”
- Instead of “I’m so OCD about this,” try “I like things very organized.”
- Listen to Disabled Voices
Engage with disabled activists, writers, and advocates who discuss the impact of language. Their perspectives offer valuable insight into why certain terms can be harmful.
- Practice with Friends and Colleagues
Encourage open conversations about language and why it matters. If someone uses an ableist term, gently suggest an alternative rather than shaming them.
- Be Open to Corrections
If a disabled person points out that a term is offensive, listen. Even if you didn’t intend harm, acknowledging their perspective and adjusting your language shows respect.
- Educate Without Policing
It’s okay to inform others about ableist language, but approaching it with patience and understanding makes it more effective. Instead of saying, “You shouldn’t say that,” try, “Hey, I recently learned that this word has an ableist history. Here’s an alternative.”
Final Thoughts
Reducing ableist language isn’t about being overly cautious or walking on eggshells—it’s about fostering respect and inclusion. Language is powerful, and the words we choose can either reinforce discrimination or contribute to a more equitable society.
By making small shifts in the way we speak, we take part in dismantling ableism, not just in language but in the broader world. And when we create spaces where everyone feels valued, we all benefit.
Let’s keep the conversation going, what are some words or phrases you’ve reconsidered using, and what alternatives have you found helpful?