Instead Of These Ableist Words, Use Inclusive Language At Work

When you talk about something going poorly at work, how do you describe it? Think carefully.

If you say “insane,” “psycho,” “lame,” “moronic,” or “crazy,” that’s ableist. Phrases like “let’s all walk over” can be excluding people who do not have that physical ability. when words around physical ability are used in a pejorative phrase, it can be seen as hostile. Terms like “blind spot” or metaphors like “falling on deaf ears” can also perpetuate false ideas about what living and working with a disability is like.

People with disabilities make up a quarter of the U.S. population. You may work with someone who has a disability or have one yourself, so it behooves you to learn about the power everyday words hold and the pain you can inflict by using inconsiderate language at work.