Everyday
alternatives for ableist language
Abelist assumptions and comments are not only an issue in outdated language in hymns and Bible translations; they are pervasive in even the most common of idioms and remarks. Describing circumstances as "crazy," fear as "paralyzing," or a politician as "turning a blind eye" to an issue can all strike a chord with someone who suffers from mental illness, mobility issues or blindness. What follows are a series of suggestions for alternatives to those abelist idioms. These suggestions were compiled generously by Hannah Johnsrud, and are shared here with her consent.
in everyday language
Current Language:
"Blind to…”
“Turn a blind eye to…”
“Blinded by (hate/rage/prejudice)”
“Our eyes were opened to…”
"Open your eyes..."
Alternatives:
“Ignorant of”
“Turning their back on”
“Overcome by prejudice”
“Unaware of”
"Pay attention"
Current Language:
“Crippled by”
“Paralyzed by”
Alternatives:
“Crippled by”
“Paralyzed by”
“Frozen by”
“Stopped by”
“Completely stuck”
Current Language:
“Deaf to…”
“Fell on deaf ears…”
“Our ears were opened to…”
Alternatives:
“willfully or deliberately ignorant”
“turned their back on”
“refused to listen” / “feigned ignorance” / "Never noticed..."
"We realized..."
Current Language:
“crazy”
“psycho”
“nuts”
“insane”
Alternatives:
"wild"
"unreal"
"mind blowing"
"incredible"
"unheard of"
Current Language:
"lame"
Alternatives:
"boring"
"uninteresting"
"unfortunate"
Current Language:
"Handicapped"
Alternatives:
Always use "person first" language, or ASK if you are unsure!
"Person with a disability”
"Differently abled"
Regarding things or places that can are accessible to persons with disabilities, do not call the parking space (for example) "handicapped," but rather "Accessible."