Knowing Disabled People Changed My Mind About Ableist Slurs

CN: ableist slurs

This post is spurred by a recent post by my colleague Ania, which is a challenge to those of us within the community to stop using ableist language for one month. I recommend reading her post explaining why certain words are harmful to neurodivergent and disabled people and can perpetuate stigma against them.

Over the last few years, I’ve come to know many people who have disabilities, or identify themselves as disabled even if they don’t have official diagnoses. Ania herself has been a big part of my revelation on this topic. I have learned through exposure that terms which I used to use casually, like “retarded,” “stupid,” “lame,” and “blind” are subtly enforcing a culture which demonizes those traits. Continue reading “Knowing Disabled People Changed My Mind About Ableist Slurs”

Knowing Disabled People Changed My Mind About Ableist Slurs
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