Ablest Slur Divides Disability Community |

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Ablest Slur In Documentary Divides Disability Community Chessington fails Disabled people again Not Just The Ticket Office, why closing 1000 rail ticket offices could disproportionally effect disabled people TAKE ACTION NOW: www.transportforall.org.uk/ What a busy few weeks in the disability world!

[@JosephOfBorg]

Makes me think of the Richard Pryor title That n#!$$%€'s crazy

[@wheelieblind]

I do not think that the problems we face, divide us.

[@karencallaway1332]

Unfortunately thats only one of the names Rosie has been trolled and bullied with. Good on her highlighting that this is not only wrong, it Hurts. Any disabled person not standing with her is what shocks me. She isnt doing it for attention or clicks or a pa stunt. Shes doing it to show the horrific treatment she recieves. Shes awesome and she needs applause for outing scum. Go Rosie ♥️

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I feel sad how this has divided the community. People really do need to be educated more around disability for sure. I hope the Doco achieves this. 🙏🏼

[@Larki13]

Rosie's entire point of using the word was to show how inappropriate it is. That's the whole focus of the documentary, it is about how people use the word toward her and how it makes her feel. By using it she is standing up for those who are the target of the slur, like Rosie.

[@hannahk1306]

I think that the majority of people reacting negatively probably haven't looked past the title itself.

[@TheMazinoz]

​@@hannahk1306Exactly. I watched the documentary.

[@hannahk1306]

@@TheMazinoz I haven't watched the documentary yet, but I've read the quotes from Rosie where she explains what the documentary is about and why she chose the title (including the fact that she addresses how inappropriate the term is).

[@sarahshaw6164]

Rosie spoke very powerfully about her documentary and the title on the last leg. Would recommend giving it a watch.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you :)

[@francescoleman-williams911]

I hate the word but Rosie explains it really well on The Last Leg.

[@searchfield]

There is a famous case of a double amputee who insisted on going on a roller coaster and died, there are some rides where having the legs to anchor to is essential but I agree there should be more rides designed for disabled people or for wheelchairs to be able to be taken onto.

[@ezrea9313]

Let me provide some context for some of the theme park rules, from someone with close ties go the industry. There is a BIG difference between someone who is missing limbs and someone who is not, even if they are disabled. Restraints on rides are highly specialized to the type of ride, the course it takes, and the kind of ride vehicle used. There are requirements about maximum and minimum forces over specific areas if the body, how much and how little someone can move in the seat, and even how specific parts of the body should and shouldn't move to prevent injury. They are very tightly controlled metrics, with years of testing and research behind them. If the limits say "above the knee amputees cannot ride," it is because the lack of a substantial leg will almost certainly result in severe injury. There are cases of double ATK amputees being thrown from rides because, even though the restraints were correct for the ride and correctly used, the ride wasnt safe for that rider. It's exactly the same reason why children aren't allowed on many rides, but no one complains of ageism there. It's not as easy as just "changing the restraints" like so many people want. Whenever new restraints are installed, vigorous testing must be done before and after installation to ensure they will even work for the ride, and sometimes the ride itself would need to be fully demolished and rebuilt to be safe for people who cannot ride the ride for whatever reason. It also causes tremendous wear and tear on the rides to add things like expanded restraints for heavier riders or riders who cannot transfer out of their mobility aid (wheelchair, scooter, etc.). The rides become unsafe much more quickly due to the added weight. It's not fair to compare a smaller regional park to a giant like Disney. Disney has billions of dollars to test everything, rebuild rides, and more. Smaller parks just don't have the same resources. We wouldn't compare a mom and pop shop to a giant superstore, and the same is true here. Does all of this make what you and this child experienced right? Absolutely not. The higher ups of this park seem terrible and I'm truly sorry you both paid for their greediness and assholery. But I hope this provided some important information and context for why these rules are in place, even in places like Disney. Rider safety is always the #1 priority when it comes to ride construction, followed by rider satisfaction. I'd personally rather walk away mad I didn't get to ride something than dead because I was allowed on when it wasn't safe for me

[@ItsViolaRose]

I absolutely agree with you. I used amusement parks before I used a wheelchair. Most of the rides threw me around a lot even then. Destabilizing my back even to the level of going on gravitron at this point would worsen my injury and be excruciatingly painful. I don’t even understand the desire to use amusement park rides as a person who needs a wheelchair. The amusement park near me has accessible shows, a 4D theatre, a water park with a lazy river and other fun stuff for me to do while others are riding roller coasters. I don’t feel left out. I don’t think extremists speak for all of us. Most of us know we need an assistive device and may not be in the peak physical form required to use a thrill ride.

[@libsybum3591]

I have a friend who already refuses to use trains because of how inaccessible they are and this is only going to make it harder. Fortunately she has an adapted car and is able to drive herself places but if she wasn’t her world would be made so much smaller just because train lines are trying to save a few pennies!

[@equitime77]

I won't use trains for the same reason

[@melissaz6778]

Thank you for saying "the R word" is offensive to the disability community as a whole and not just the intellectually disabled. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone has told me I have no right to be offended by the word because I'm "only physically disabled".

[@Wheelsnoheels]

No worries. It’s a horrid word for anyone. We even came accorss it in 10 things I hate about you last night. I don’t think anyone should use it 😐

[@peachxtaehyung]

I unfortunately got bullied with it on an Instagram post comment where I politely pointed out the r word is ableist and then people continuously used it against me saying I'm just "woke" smfh

[@pjaypender1009]

While I understand the slur has been used against you, that works because it's more damaging to intellectually disabled and neurodiverse people. It's implying you're less by saying you are those things. It's also used against nondisabled people. Physically disabled people need to defer to cognitively disabled and neurodivergent people in this.

[@michellebenna8539]

I am able bodied, live in the USA and have never been to Chessington, but I have seen on signs at the start of amusement park rides stating there has to be enough residual limb for certain rides due to safety regulations. Usually there are still a few rides that most could get on. It is bad on Chessington to at least not have the rules and regulations online so people can plan their trip.

[@Traumatized_Mel]

American here. I know from experience access is horrid in the UK in general but I can’t believe I didn’t notice the lack of lowered/accessible ticket machines. 🤯 coming from a country were even drive through ATMs at banks have to have brail on them.

[@autumnrain7342]

I get really annoyed with the Americans because they still casually use the R word as part of American English. Trying to get some of them to understand, not all do understand why we find this word offensive. Makes blood boil.

[@PrismYuuzuki]

Last year I spent the whole time crying at Tokyo Disneyland on my birthday because they wouldn’t let me ride anything without friend/family member for safety even though I’m ambulatory. I’m autistic and don’t have any close friends. I don’t have any family in the same country.

[@ingriddahlstrom7779]

Japan is one of the worst countries for accessibility and disability rights, iirc they didnt pass ANY sort of disability rights legislation until the mid-2010s. I'm devastated because I love Japan, and I want to go, but I am a wheelchair user now. And Tokyo Disneyland is awful - I was reading their stuff about disability access and it actually states that a disabled person can't even enter the park without a carer, like what century is this?? I wanted to go but it just isn't possible. I'm so sorry that happened to you on your birthday. I hope one day you are able to go back and have a wonderful time there

[@PrismYuuzuki]

@@ingriddahlstrom7779 I’m hoping to find someone to go to Tokyo Disney Sea with me this September.

[@ChrisPage68]

She's taking the trolls to task. She's got nothing to apologise for if people don't understand context.

[@Traumatized_Mel]

My genuine thought with the movie is is the title going to limit it’s accessibility particularly in some regions of my own country.

[@kayleighbutler2259]

I never considered the job role being accessible. That would be such a wonderful job to have as a disabled person, probably one of the few we have left that can be easily adapted for disabilities. I really hope they listen. Also worth noting that apparently wheelchair users can get a 50% discount via ticket offices instead of the 25% disabled railcards give plus you dont need a railcard for the discount

[@charliebradford4369]

I fought Chessington for over 18 months to change their illegal assistance dog policy. During this time when I was fighting for the change (Disabled people shouldn't have to do this for companies to not break the law anyway) I experienced some awful abuse. Now they have a legal policy, however due to the treatment I faced while getting them to just to the legal bare minimum for assistance dog users - I will never give them a penny of my purple pounds.

[@chronischgeheilt]

I am baffled that this "infamous" theme park hasnt been sued yet. At this point it is not only a matter of inaccessibitly, but disctimination.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

My thoughts exactly. But I think that goes to show how weak the DDA is 🥴

[@claireexp626]

Re: Rail Ticket Office closures - last weekend we were travelling home from London and as there was rail maintenance on our normal line trains were going from London Liverpool Street Station instead of London Fenchurch Street Station. These stations are run by separate companies. I tried to request assistance online with the normal company however when we arrived at Liverpool St we were made to miss 2 trains because the staff couldn’t get anyone at our destination station to answer the phone to confirm someone would meet us with the wheelchair ramp. We were told it was dangerous to let us travel so they were refusing to board us. In the end we made such a fuss that we were reluctantly allowed to catch the 3rd train on a longer and much slower route but were told it was at our own risk as they couldn’t guarantee we would get assistance and may be stuck on the train and miss our stop. The journey took an extra 30 minutes on top of the usual hour and the toilet was out of order. Luckily there was someone to meet us but by this time I was quite prepared to block the train doors and hold the whole train up at our stop if no one had been there. These are the same 2 rail companies who are planning on closing all but 5 ticket offices on each mainline route 😱

[@rebeccahartshorn7886]

Read Sgt. James Thomas Hackemer, double amputee died from a fall from a rollercoaster as the bar across the legs was not sufficient to hold him in. So I understand for safety reasons some disabled people not being allowed to ride a coaster; however, that does not mean the coaster safety seats shouldn't be updated or retrofitted so all people are safe in them.

[@libsybum3591]

There are definitely rides that won’t be accessible to people with certain body types BUT a lot of the issues at chessington come from the evacuation process, not safety while the ride is running. Disney is great and in Florida I believe every ride is accessible. In Paris there’s a few some people can’t do but accessibility in a theme park is 100% do able!

[@aellaaskew4263]

I just spent 2 aweful inaccessible days at @Busch Gardens and @WaterCountryUSA. They replaced performances where the disabled are able to relax and cool off enjoy a show, with loud blaring music and more roller-coasters. My wheelchair could not manage the terrain without aid even with a smartdrive. They had scooters for rent but they didnt offer enough back and side support to protect me as Im fragile and my joints dislocate very easily. I also have Mastocytosis and the sun is a massive issue for me I was unable to cool myself down and lifeguards were untrained in helping someone with a Disability. I ended up having seizures on a pool cot while overheating in the limited shade available none available away from sensory overload. Whats more- in this big park no one noticed or checked on me once. So many rides that were labeled accessible but what they fail to mention is they mean to only some disabilities so often it doesnt include wheelchairs. I didnt ride a single ride at Busch Gardens - nothing was accessible or safe for me. I was able to make it to one water pad in water country. 0☆ dont recommend for disabled community

[@duckweedy]

I think the problem is as she says in the programme is that only disabled people seem to be upset about it. Same day as documentary went out the revue of Barbie film describes it as Spastic.

[@paulusthegrey]

From what I have read, albeit social media, the staff will not be based in one station but will be peripatetic. There is also the possible Health & Safety issues of not having staff around in an emergency.

[@emfergie]

Loved this video so much! Really appreciated your take on the Rosie Jones doc. I've previously worked with one of the creators who pulled out, a really amazing person who has a very valid take. However, I have already found the number of discussions in my own life that the title has created really positive and understand Rosie's approach to the name. Thank you for an evenhanded and open approach to the topic. ❤

[@thewisepowerchair2369]

Hello Gem. On Network Rail, wheelchair users can travel for half price. The person at the ticket office would see a person in a wheelchair, but a ticket machine would not.

[@joemyers5302]

I think the title addresses the fact people call her that which is why she chose to put it in the title, and I'm sure she will go on to say no it's not OK to use that word. And it gets people talking which in turn more people will watch it though I'm sure there will be many who will refuse to watch it for the use of that word. I think it's an important topic to bring up as I see that word casually used online, though fortunately not directed at anyone in particular when I see it.

[@EmilyCheetham]

I’m autistic and prefer to get my tickets at the station from a person. It’s not just buying online that can be complicated but also some of the machines they put at stations confuse me. But not just that if people sat don’t have arms they may not be able to print their pre orders ticket even if someone helped them online. So it is far easier for someone at a ticket office to print it off and hand it to them. Plus I can think of many other reasons people may need to get a ticket from a person at the station. I think it’s disgusting that the government are ditching more and more ticket counters at stations.

[@whatsthetemma1308]

Oh goodness or should I say horrendous about theme parks. My son was trained to buy a ticket from an office as you mentioned. Legoland was great but wondering how places like Alton Towers is like. You make a lot of valid points.

[@HannahFrostFreespiritedwarrior]

The lack of disability access at chessington is horrendous. So many access queues are not wheelchair accessible so you have no choice but to stand for sometimes up to half hour (if you want to ride the vampire in the summer holidays)

[@JennCampbell]

The "R word," was taken by abilist bullies and used as an insult/slur. This has happened to many terms refering to the disabled, much like terms refering to the LGBTQIA. They took their power back, by taking their words back. This is an important lesson. We should strive to follow the same path. Instead of attacking members of our community, we should be asking why labels and words referring to disability have become slurs. ❤

[@TheWhiskeyBlue]

I agree, a word is just a few word and we apply meaning when applicable. I am a member of the disabled community (I have Spina Bifida and use a wheelchair), and personally I'm done being offended by words.

[@callumwarren115]

A great video. I personally didnt watch the documentary in soladarity with the creators who pulled out. I like rosie and thinks she great but unfortunately, her statements in defense of the slur being used have spoiled my opinions on her somewhat. Whilst it has started conversation its also cause an uptick in the slur being used again. It annoys me that the slur was considered to be more needed for the doc than 3 incredible voices from the disabled community. Thats the power the media and those with privellege hold. Thanks for talking about it and pointing out its impact affects all disabled people and more specifically people with learning disabilities. ❤️

[@Bexstarartist]

On Thursday I was traveling on the bus with my chair. I was asked to face the back as per rules. I nearly vomited immediately. If I start vomiting it often doesn’t stop for days. It also started setting of my seizures and I could go flying toward and crash my head. The driver stoped the bus and got everyone off. I wouldn’t get off the bus or turn to face the back. I believe I have the right to use a public service as safely as possible. I ended up with police for hours and they stopped all the 41 on that road from picking me up (the lady in the chair) We recorded some of my little protest.

[@soulfoodsmama2980]

Considering that Rosie is probably on the receiving end of that word more than most people, if she wants to use it to prove her point that is her business.

[@kaitlyn__L]

You also can’t buy local concession tickets from the machines. You can get railcard fares sometimes, but often not even that. But at least in Glasgow the Scottish National Entitlement Card gives you flat £1 fares within the city and you MUST buy those from a ticket office. Can’t buy them on the ScotRail app or anything. And yeah, I don’t know who I’d ask for the ramp if not the ticket office. As to the title, taken on its own I can understand it as Rosie getting some catharsis and venting about it as well as being attention-grabbing. In the context of other offensive Channel 4 choices over the years, it leaves a big sour taste. (See that Mitchell and Webb sketch series which is brutally honest about “sensitive” C4 documentaries which are really just modern freak shows.)

[@yellohh6504]

I live in a town where the ticket office has been closed, and im going ti be honest, while booking tickets online is easier fir me and my carer, being at the station is much scaryier now, i have no idea if the train coming knows im there or not (even if i booked assistance) thankfully Transport for Wales has been the best train company ive traveld with while being in the chair, the ticket person and conductor often come up to me multiple times in the journey to check where im getting off, and there is a ramp storage on the train, so if im only using them, i know that they will always be able to accommodate me in my chair.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@kaitlyn__L]

That’s been my experience with ScotRail post nationalisation too, very attentive staff all making sure I’ve been seen-to. No ticket office closures though

[@Kiddly3000]

my uncle Bert who has brain damage at the age of 4 had his private parts remove because of this same reason i was glad i was born in a different time then my uncle otherwise I would also been treated like him.

[@JosephOfBorg]

I was always taught it as a mechanical term which means held back or delayed. Like retarding the timing on an engine

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Ahhh. I see

[@kaitlyn__L]

That was the original intent, it was created as a sanitised word to use instead of terms like “idiot”. IE “this will be nicer, we’re just saying they’re a bit slower”. Unfortunately the euphemism treadmill did its work and it became even worse than any of the terms it replaced. (See also “special” in recent years.)

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

This was a super informative video as always Jen. I agree with you I can see both sides of the argument when it comes to the movie title,. do think it’s unfortunate that the three that had to withdraw lost all that time and money invested in the project, and would hope that there is someway they could get compensation, and think that in the media and creative industry as a whole there should be more collaboration rather than division. I live in the US but was just talking to a family member about their plans to take away a lot of our bank tellers and how that would make things more difficult when it comes to accessing finances for people. You also make a really good point about the employees kn people seldom of them thinks of them and that they can have Accessibility needs the same way customers do.

[@bleachchugtidy2178]

I think it’s a great title, there are going to be people who watch it just because “haha bad word funny” or expecting the word to be justified and they may change their mind or learn something.

[@stephen4764]

Words only have power when you give them power. Don't be soft and allow words to get power.

[@user-hx6ye4jq1n]

Sesame Street has a whole host of characters that represent diverse individuals. Several years ago , Sesame Street USA introduced a a character that is neuro divergent Another version, I forgot which country, had a character who was HIV positive. It has s a wonderful program

[@choccyfan]

Thanks for the great content and insight. From Heather W, Suffolk, UK.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you for your support 🤍

[@ChrissyMarshall_]

I don't think it's for shock value in the way some are interpreting. As someone who was called the rword multiple times in elementary school due to speech impediment idc how anyone polices drawing attention to the harm of using a word that is regularly used against us. When I use it it's to make a stark point or call out bullies in harsh form of awareness. If that's shocking, well dang I was shocked when my speech therapist explained what the word meant. Rosie took some horrific stuff she already knows the weight of and made it work. It's not really a debate. Shame on people who want to make her the bad guy.

[@orion_13]

Be happy you have a mass transit possibility. That isn't the case in much of the USA. To get the mass transit you must live in dense populated areas that also increases the cost of living.

[@equitime77]

It's not really a possibility because getting a ramp is almost a no no. It depends on what equipment you are using. As I can't push my wheelchair I use a mobility scooter so am treat as not really disabled. I am not allowed to take it on a bus, tram or train because I haven't passed the exam you have to take. The reason why? Because I can't get anyone to let me take the stupid exam. So I've now got a mobility scooter than can do over 20 miles distance which leaves me out in the weather.

[@orion_13]

@@equitime77 I think your reply was meant for someone else. BTW, I am in a powerchair too. My current ride is a 4front 2. I wasn't able to get the new TB4 seating, it wasn't available for ordering until 1 month after I took delivery.

[@bonnieharris4538]

Interesting that you say 'maybe they DID consult the disabled community...and then just didn't listen.'... see, things like this bring out the 'is it me' inner voice of self doubt. Is there in fact a great swathe of people out there with disabilities who are completely and utterly FINE with that word??

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

Mick Scarlet made a great point when Rosie's documentary was discussed on the 'Access All' podcast. He was saying that whilst he understood Rosie's reason for keeping the word in the title, the producers were possibly pushing to keep it in for the shock value and in a way diluting the power of Rosie's use of it. 🤔 I personally would've kept the whole word in it. Theme parks are not my thing, but the Chessington situation makes my blood boil, as does the ticket machine debacle. The last 4 years have made it abundantly clear to us that Disabled people are an afterthought. It makes me wish we could find an island and claim it for our own so we could build a genuinely inclusive society. The new Sesame Street character is so cute! 🩵 Next week, are we gonna talk about the London Premier of the Barbie movie not inviting any wheelchair users onto the Pink carpet, despite having AN ACTUAL Wheelchair Barbie doll on display? 🤦

[@jamienevill1768]

Thanks for posting. The production manager at a former workplace referred to my declining mental health as the 'R' word repeatedly. Perhaps if he'd let me grieve after losing my partner instead of forcing me back to work, I wouldn't have declined so quickly and been forced to leave! Automating ticket offices at stations might seem like a good idea to penny pinching companies, but will the 'multitasking' staff at stations be able to fix the machines if they break? If anyone's r*tarded, it's the able bodied muppets at the top who make these silly decisions!!!

[@leesullivan1916]

Given the context of its use and the point RJ is making i don't have a problem with it.

[@kevinasaurus]

Thanks for all you do to promote inclusivity and give tips and tricks for folks!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you so much for your support 🥰

[@toddcribbs6844]

The difference between you myself and somebody else is me and you would actually get that I have a photographic memory of very intelligent like you I love your personality

[@leesullivan1916]

As a foot note regarding CWA.. Following a few incidents over the past few years with amputees on Rollercoasters, Ride manufacturers now have very tight rules with regards to this.. So IF i was just certain rides then it would be understandable. But as this is a strange blanket ban then its a park issue which i dont understand 🤔.

[@loftyradish6972]

I think it is a very different thing to use the r word casually, or call it to someone, vs look someone in the eye, see them acknowledge you as a human, and then ask them 'am I a R.' It shows those people that you heard what they said, that you understand what it means, and that you do not accept it. People find that extremely confronting because it forces them to realise their words, thoughts and beliefs had power, and that it caused harm to another human being. She is forcing the people who use that word to realise how harmful it is. Context and tone matter, so I don't think in this case it was inappropriate. I can understand why the other people pulled out, but I also understand why Rosie didn't want to change it. Her belief is as important as other peoples beliefs. There is no "right" or wrong here in my opinion, just difference of opinion. I had the r word used against me. But worse than that, I had my school system convince me it was the truth to the point that I thought I was incapable of everything but menial labour. If I could look look those people in the eye as the adult I am now, and ask them "am I a r?" "Am I lazy?" "Am I dumb?" it would feel really, really good. It would be spitting those words back in their faces, I could show them I was not the one who failed, they failed me. That is what those words are, failing someone and judging someone. Asking those questions back is a powerful condemnation of them.

[@TheMazinoz]

Yes, I have a physical disability that doesn't in any way cause intellectual impairment and had a nurse ask me if I was "special" though I had just explained the condition to her! Ugh

[@loftyradish6972]

@@TheMazinoz Its awful when the very people who are supposed to be helping turn out to be cruel as well as unhelpful. That nurse was so horribly out of line. Sounds like a bitter and angry person who should never have become a nurse. I had a nurse yelling at me for not speaking or walking when I was incapable of speaking and walking. My Mum was right there, trying to hand her my phone which explained my condition and why I wasn't talking and how to communicate with me. It wasn't until she left me alone for a while out of apparent disgust that I was able to recover enough to speak. When she came back I managed to slur through sobs. "I'm not doing this for fun. I have fibromyaliga." She got the "oh shit" look on her face health professionals get when they know they fucked up badly, asked to see the phone and then was actually able to help me. She never apologised though. Now I have a medical ID necklace and on the back it says "can't speak, see phone" so next time I can show it. I get really anxious when I'm not wearing it.

[@TheMazinoz]

@@loftyradish6972 I think she was just arrogant ignorant narcissist

[@loftyradish6972]

@@TheMazinoz I understand that you are angry, but I just want you to take a look at what you wrote. Arrogant Ignorant Narcissist. You are labelling Rosie with dehumanising terms because you don't agree with her and are angry.

[@tazBeaWheelz]

I must admit..I’m a little bit shocked she used it, But if she put it in to make a point that it is still in circulation, then I’m kinda seeing it as her making a point, but I also think, maybe just don’t say it and then eventually it may go away. Tbh my best m8 used to always call me a Crip and I’m in a wheelchair full time and it was shocking to some people and my hubby hated her using it and yes she should have known better and I should have stopped her at the time….I mean most of my Samba band m8y call me Wheelz which I don’t mind and it’s cool, but once again it’s what’s acceptable to the person and people that it’s surrounding, so let’s just take a deep breath and talk these issues out and say what you think is acceptable as we are the ones that are affected ….keep up with the great info 😊🤘😉

[@detritusofseattle]

You know, I'm actually considering adding a wheelchair using character to my novel. Everyone in my world has magic, and I'm thinking that in such a world those with disabilities might have particularly unique ways of using magic or might even be especially skilled at certain kinds of magic over others. For example, someone who is blind, but has innate psychic or shamanic abilities might be able to sense their surroundings and see them in some form in their mind, and perhaps even be able to see details that characters with good vision simply can't or wouldn't notice. There's a particular spell used by psychics called "mind's eye" which allows the caster to project their sense out to their surroundings in a wide radius, and it can go even further if sent in one particular direction. A blind person who learned this spell and relied on it as a means of getting around would quickly master it and probably become so good at it that they would have something akin to 360 degree Xray vision. And they would probably be able to hear, feel, smell things from even further away and with greater accuracy since, when not using the spell, they already have to rely on these other senses to be more sensitive. I could see a blind shamman using their connection with the spirits to use them as their eyes, and to create an almost perfect point defense system around them, where if they are attacked, their magic instantly animates a golem from their environment and counters the attack. Perhaps such a blind shaman might be especially gifted in medicine too, as rather than looking at the flesh with their eyes, they speak to the flesh and spirit of others directly and are able to heal more efficiently than any doctor that relies on their vision. The general concept for the wheelchair user I have is that their wheels are used very similar to how an able person might walk, but it operates more like a powerchair, their magical abilities actually propelling it and controlling it rather than necessarily having to push it. In combat, the chair can actually be modified with spells to give it advantages over certain terrains. Like, for example, in snowy conditions their chair turns into treads or skis, or if they run into water it forms into a kind of boat-like design. They'll probably use ranged attacks mostly, but we'll see. It's still in the early stages. I also had the idea that if this person learned telekenesis they could potentially master it if they started using it to propel their chair or to levitate themselves to simulate walking, and doing so opens up the possibility of them being able to fly, nevermind what they could learn to do with the magic, especially if their bond with their chair (everything in their world has a spirit, and some are able to commune with and form bonds with the spirits of objects) is particularly strong. I could see them doing things like turning their chair's wheels into flying, spinning weapons of doom they control with their mind. There's a lot of possibilities for representation, I think.

[@caitlynskiff2001]

I am not a part of the disabled community but I always find it interesting that when it comes to slurs the only time it's okay to use it in people mind is if you have that disability. There is an autobiography of a former WWE wrestler who has bipolar and she called it "Crazy Is My Superpower." It's an excellent book and highly recommend it but I remember the bipolar community had issues with the title when it came out too. I personally think that the r word should not be used by anybody. And I constantly tell my parents who still uses it in casual conversation to stop saying the word, my father especially uses it a lot and now he just says sorry to me. Like I know it's a habit but it isn't a good one.

[@kaitlyn__L]

FWIW that idea isn’t restricted to the disabled community but to all communities affected by slurs; see discussion of the n-word and whether it ends in an -a or an -er, also the gay community debate about whether “queer” is acceptable :)

[@Volklet]

I don’t think that these (and many other slurs not to do with disability) should be used by anyone.

[@pjaypender1009]

​​​@@Volkletand the people those slurs have been used against have the only opinions that matter about that. IDC if you think no one should use them. They aren't harming you so you don't get a say. The thing it's important to remember is that "Is it okay to say "r*t*rd?" is a conversation to be had between intellectually disabled and neurodivergent people only. Nondisabled need to not participate. You shouldn't say it. "Should anyone say f*gg*t" is a conversation to be had between gay men. Straight people should not participate. You shouldn't use it. "Should anyone use the n-word" is a conversation to be had between Black people. White people shouldn't join that discussion and should never use that word.

[@Tanny.M]

Thank you for another great installment of Disability News! Do you have an email where we could send you some stories in future?

[@stephaniemcquillan1930]

I hate these words and how uneducated people use them. Even academically bright people use them and I’m disgusted by it. I haven’t watched the documentary but I am going to. I like Rosie.

[@dougbrown7150]

Look at comics like George Carlin, Eddy murphy, or Richard Pryor, I could go on. In the days before it was a social obligation to be offended very uncomfortable subjects were standard fare for comics as a way to start conversations. I hope that is what is happening here as I have never seen the show or honestly heard of the comic

[@MyMike75]

💯💯

[@cjmillsnun]

Going to ask the question, what is accessibility at other Merlin Theme Parks like. I can imagine Legoland isn't too bad, but what about their more traditional parks like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park? Is it endemic in the group as a whole?

[@kevinasaurus]

As an abled person (is that a term?), I won't weigh in on whether the term is right or wrong for Rosie to use. I feel it's a similar situation in the gay community for words like "F*G," "QUE*R," etc. In certain contexts I'm fine using those to describe myself, but it can go sideways quickly.

[@leesullivan1916]

As much as i Love Theme parks ect, ive never been to CWA... but as its a Merlin park i don't understand why this is the case ive never had a problem with Merlin parks tbf..

[@tinachambers4887]

Their assumptions are can't walk can't think Iread the Grammer Question mark have a day love from TEXAS

[@TheWhiskeyBlue]

For context I was born with Spina Bifida and use a wheelchair full time. I personally think a word has no meaning until you put power behind it, so I have no issue with the R-word or any other "slur" (except for differently abled and interabled relationships, I will never get behind them). What I do have issue with is so called activists pushing their beliefs onto other people, and trying to force a community of individuals to conform to their beliefs. I don't think what Rosie did was wrong, and I commend her for talking about her struggles for awareness. I respect that people are offended by slurs and the R word, which is their right. But what I am offended by is the pushing of beliefs onto other people, the people mentioned were offended but not the whole disability community. I think these little divisive battles do nothing to push forward disability rights, and there are so many other things we can discuss and fight for.

[@IanJones942]

:40 Some might say GEM packed .... ;)

[@Wheelsnoheels]

🙈🙈

[@Kitty76037]

I think Rosie's title to her documentary is appropriate, though the "R" word is not appropriate. I think as a title it may grab the attention of people who use that word towards disabled people. It's grabbing the attention of those who need to see it most...and cross our fingers, maybe it will cause some of those people to stop using that word. I was just discussing that word with a new FB friend of mine who new my late husband when he was a kid because he was in special education with her late son. It's a terrible word & it hurts people.

[@nyves104]

💜💜💜💜

[@DAYBROK3]

That title looks to me like something she had been asked - often.

[@annettesuterswiss]

About the word r*tard in that mentioned documentaty: first I was shocked, than I started understanding that due to the R*tard word it probably makes more ppl curious. Crip camp: Netflix proposed me to watch it.Thr title also shocked me, and still makes me feel uncomfortable because I hate the word c😮ripped or crippled. On the other hand the documentary"Rising phenix" has a song "Rising phenix" which also uses the word crippled in the song text. I love this song.

[@Volklet]

I think I’d want to see Rosie’s programme before I comment specifically, but in general I can see both sides here. It’s vital to educate and to raise awareness of the upset these words can cause, but is the best way to do that by using them ourselves? I’m not at all convinced of that. I have to say that I’ve never had anyone refer to me with the “R” word, maybe I’m very lucky, and as a result I find it much, much less offensive than the “C” word you mentioned. Despite that I’d back up to the hilt anyone who was upset by its use and who wanted to protest about it. We can’t expect able bodied people to respect us if we show disrespect to each other by using these words.

[@jeffreygi]

I don’t think it’s meant for the disabled person- it’s meant for the Karens that don’t understand disability issues. Its meant to answer their questions

[@barbh1]

I don't think it's good to use that word in the title. I understand Rosie's explanation, but I think generally, it's not a good idea. Anyone who casually sees the title without even watching the show will begin using the word. That's just the reality of being on the media.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I can see that being a danger for sure 😓

[@treefrog1018]

As an autistic person (the r-word isn't mine to reclaim but definitely something I have been called)....I think in a perfect world, people would look at the title and know that is a No-No word to use in every day life -or a word to call someone. ...and I think our world is just about perfect enough for people to get over it. I am not really For the removal of any word (even the slurs that are directed toward me) but I think the world would be better off if we had a space for these words that don't hurt other people -So that we can use them. Humans typically want what they can't have -So by removing certain words from our dictionary, there is more of a chance for the word to be misused. ...I mean...people call me the r-word and it isn't even the right slur for me. 😆 I wonder if it is because this word doesn't have a place in our society where the word can be used without harming someone.

[@hieithefox]

Honestly I think that being so public it’s more harmful to use the r word but as a disabled person I think we have a right to use the word to reclaim it change it’s use talk about how it has affected us I would be upset if it was used by someone not disabled edit to add it seems that in this case to their are very valid reasons for using it

[@toddcribbs6844]

I love your beautiful face and smile

[@XXTERIA]

Hi 😊

[@pjaypender1009]

It's worth noting that "mental retardation" as a medical term replaced older medical terms because they had become slurs, and many people who would never use the r slur use those former diagnoses as insults freely. Using these is as bad as the r slur. What are those words? Id**t, imb*c*le and m*r*n. Those words were medical diagnoses. Look it up. Then stop using them.

[@solopfl]

As someone with CP myself I often notice today that people who learned that you should not use the word retard or "mongy" which were very popular till the mid 2000s sill often use spaz casually in conversation. I don't always have the capacity to point out to them how it makes me feel and how spaz is also a slur on the same level. Turns out most people don't really think about what they are saying.... last month a good friend I haven't seen for some time to my disappointment used spaz in a conversation with his gf and me. both used it as a synonym for stupid. like ...."he's such a stupid spaz"... I then ask if he is stupid and a spaz . answer from her: "both" me: " so he has an official disability card and is stupid? You know I'm a spaz..." They got the message but didn't know what to say at first.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Well done for calling them out. I hate all those slurs. I hope people will realise the impact of them. Do you know we can accorss the R word in 10 Things I Hate About You last night. 🫥

[@kaitlyn__L]

My grandmother kept calling my sister the full version of that word when explaining her disabilities to strangers, and my mother had to keep pulling her up on how she should be saying disabled/disability. (She also didn’t believe my autism diagnosis for a few years because, get this, I can talk and read.) She was born in the 1930s but it was a lot to put up with. She also apparently thought “coloured” was still the preferred nomenclature until, like, late 90s early 00s.

[@Larki13]

Spaz is a bit different as I also have CP and used that word my entire life having no idea that it ever related to CP or had ever been a slur in any way. In my area it's just like energetic and funny. I only heard about its history in the UK when that singer got in trouble for using it a couple years ago.

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@Larki13 yeah it is considered milder in America. Like it shows up in 00s kids media there but never did here

[@STR123able]

I don't know, but maybe I live in another country (the USA). I've heard retard being used but for someone who doesn't get the facts or is oppositional, but never toward a disabled person. It's just a put down, like "hey, he's an idiot."

[@piarateking8094]

yeh when people are using it as an insult its to imply you might have an intellectual disability because your stupid, thats where it came from

[@AliFinNoble]

There's a new ride at universal here in Orlando Florida and you have to be able to stand to "ride" it. It's so insane to me that a big company like that could build a brand new ride and be in no way accessible. Not only do you have to be able to stand you have to be able to stand on a moving platform for several minutes as that is technically the ride... As an ambulatory wheelchair user and someone who cannot always stand for long periods of time this is unacceptable. I have not renewed my annual pass because I'm so upset about it

[@douglas.macmurray]

I think in a sense and, I don't mean this in a mean way, you are trying to bully Chessington into adding accessibility to their theme park. Please don't take this wrong I do not have a problem with you or others asking a company, restaurant or in this case a theme park to change something, what I don't agree with is forcing someone through intimidation no matter how nice it may sound by high lighting how much money they are losing or saying that other theme parks have accessibility rides, etc. I have been in a wheelchair for 18 years and yes I have run along places that are not very accessible and you know what if it's a big enough inconvenience I might ask them to change it and if they choose not to I just don't go back there. To me, a more effective way is hitting them in the pocketbook! Anyways just my two cents you are free to do with it what you want. Remember it's just another opinion.

[@gerb3664]

I wish your sound wasn't so echoing. Abrasive.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Oh dear. Do you mean when I’m talking? Or the sound effects?

[@gerb3664]

@@Wheelsnoheels are you too far away from the microphone? not sound effects. Sorry, but I know you like to have a good podcast.

[@LUCY.PARK.06]

I am not disabled and will never came to have experience inaccessibility or ablism. However I try to be educated and stand with the disabled community .I think the documentary should have not used the r word because it is a slur and offensive to many people. I get the shock factor, but I feel using if it was a slur ( for example ) regarding race, it would be seen as unacceptable for society . Just my opinion though and I can see both slides of the agreement

[@Davidjohnson-o6g]

A lot of people wake up the next morning disabled it's not just from birth a disability can happen to anyone at anytime 🤷.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@LUCY.PARK.06]

​@samuelmartin8052 100% that's why disability education is so important for people of all ages

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

[@nikkimansell2760]

I think that it was a bad decision to use the r word in the title of the documentary. I get what Rosie Jobes says about highlighting that the word is wholly unacceptable, but I don’t see how using it in the title does that…?! Yes, talk about it during the documentary when you can give reasons why it’s offensive, but having a title that is just “Am I a r*****” does the opposite and normalises it, in my opinion. I’ve been called that word by bullies at school, and so it’s very offensive to me and I don’t really feel I want to watch the documentary because of it… I have actually had to stop myself falling out with someone who has the same condition I do who couldn’t see what the problem was with the word being in the title, saying it’s about Rosie Jones’ personal experience, nothing else, despite me saying about the other disability advocates who withdrew from the programme because of the us of the r word… 🫣