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Inclusive Writing Guide (English)

Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about. Language is not simply a reporting device for experience but a defining framework for it.

Benjamin Lee Whorf, American Linguist

Ability and Disability

ability and disability iconAbleism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. (Eisenmenger, 2019) Like other forms of oppression and discrimination, language is a tool used to enable ableism. This section of the writing guide is simply a place to learn about the (English) language  and how some phrases in our mainstream are harmful micro-aggressions towards those with disabilities. There is some repetition, and it is a mix of more formal guides with op-ed pieces, however this curation attempts to provide a diverse scope of what is out there. Many of these resources also contain other resources and citations if you would like to learn more about ableism. 

THE ONE TO READ

Ableism/Language By Lydia X.Z. Brown

This article fantastically outline the politics, considerations and concepts of Ableism and language.

In this article you get: 

  • The foreword which is important in understanding the background and rationale, as well as ways to center the purpose in actively being anti-opressive with language when possible
  • The glossary, which is a practical guide of which words to swap out and their origins, as well as a list of alternatives. We're about saying wild, instead of 'wacko' in this house. 
  • A list of "Terms that are not inherently ableist, but become so in context" and explanations of where and why 

 

Lydia X. Z. Brown is an advocate, organizer, educator, attorney, strategist, and writer. They are passionate, fierce, and extremely helpful to their community online and offline. Thus far, Lydia's works focuses on addressing state and interpersonal violence targeting disabled people living at the intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, faith, language, and nation. Highly recommend you check out their full list of beliefs and values and full biography. 

They have also co-written a book to check out: All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism. 

Also check out their FAQ page on their blog to learn more about them, there's some awesome stuff about autism, and Lydia even point to some accessible libraries around the states if you're interested. 

Lydia X.Z. Brown's article and page was chosen as it represents the viewpoint of  an autistic-person (Lydia prefers and has written about why identity-first language suits them), as well as the intersectionalities between racism, capitalism, colonialism with ableism. While their disability is not representative of all disabilities which exist their blog and the chosen article cover many aspects of the global concept of ableism and how language is connected to it. They are extremely well-researched, write with such a distinct voice, and are a great starting point. 

RESOURCES BY TOPIC

General

Media and Journalism

Academic Writing

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