The National Telecommuting Institute (NTI) has released a new guide aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of ableist language.
Ableism, the belief that typical abilities are superior and that disabled people need “fixing,” often manifests in everyday language. NTI’s guide seeks to raise awareness about the impact of ableist language and promote more inclusive communication.
The Impact of Ableist Language
Ableist language includes words, phrases, and attitudes that marginalize or discriminate against people with disabilities. Such language reinforces harmful stereotypes, negatively affects the self-esteem of individuals with disabilities, and can impede their social inclusion. Recognising and replacing these terms with nonbiased alternatives is a crucial step towards fostering an inclusive society.
The guide identifies various forms of ableist language. Derogatory terms, for instance, are words that are inherently offensive and demeaning to people with disabilities. These include terms like “retarded,” “cripple,” or “spastic.” Stereotypes and assumptions are another form of ableist language, perpetuating incorrect or harmful ideas, such as assuming that all people with disabilities are helpless, dependent, or solely inspirational figures.
The guide also highlights the misuse of disability-related terms in metaphors and figures of speech. Phrases like “blind to the truth” or “deaf to criticism” use disability as a metaphor for something negative, further perpetuating ableist attitudes.
NTI’s Mission to Support the Disabled Community
Founded in 1995, NTI is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting the disabled community and their caregivers. Alan Hubbard, NTI’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasised the importance of language in achieving equality for people with disabilities. “NTI’s mission is to support the disabled community and their caregivers. One way we aim to do this is by educating others on issues affecting people with disabilities. It is impossible for people with disabilities to be seen as equal members of society while we continue to use ableist language so freely,” Hubbard stated.
The Ableist Language Guide is part of NTI’s broader efforts to educate the public on issues that affect people with disabilities. The guide offers specific examples of language that should be avoided, along with alternative expressions that convey the same message without marginalising individuals with disabilities.
NTI’s Ableist Language Guide is available for download on their website. It serves as a resource for individuals and organisations looking to promote more inclusive communication. By addressing and changing ableist language, NTI aims to create a society where people with disabilities are recognised as equal members.
