Handicap As A Term & Concept

[@AnneMarieKirkman]

Kathryn, you are certainly accessible to humor 😂 😉

[@richmond3h]

I like your thoughts on removing the word handicap from our thoughts and words. Thank you

[@paulascott5701]

"Govern me, tyrant...please govern me more. I have no mind of my own...help! Tell me what I can think and ban accurate words after you take it upon yourself to redefine them. I'm an idiot and I need your guidance." There is nothing wrong with the word handicap. It means what it means and not what this strange woman says it means. THINK.

[@naesenh.2162]

The problem with "accessible (blank)" is that it gives off the idea that anybody can use what is intended for people with disabilities. I think it makes sense for elevators, walkways and things that everyone does use along with people with disabilities, but with parking spaces or even some restrooms it may lose the priority that is given to people with disabilities. I can imagine foreigners parking in "accessible parking" without the handicap sign thinking accessible may stand for people with children that need to unload strollers or have a lot of cargo they need to drop off (although I may just be over analyzing). I think it should be "(blank) for people with disabilities" The idea being the word "people" coming before the word disability ensures the agency and integrity of the a marginalized group instead of having their disability define their identity while still making it very clear that certain structures are only for or prioritized firstly for people with disabilities rather than being "accessible" to all including those with disabilities.

[@toastyskyshroom]

I feel like in the grand scheme of things this is not the thing to focus on

[@susanwheeler-hall]

Hi Kathryn, What a beautiful intro… OMG I have done sooo many talks on ditching the term handicap. Good job on your breakdown, it is inconsistent but all lead to the disadvantaged connotation. Also, I’ve found that Americans use it more as they (you) have the ADA compliance. I try to encourage people to use the term handicap for the structural items you identified NOT people - but as you point out there is nothing wrong with the parking spot but it is reserved for someone who needs access. Okay, here is a joke / thought sort of…. Imagine if the world was built for wheelchair people, all the non-disabled people would need helmets because of bumping their heads on doorframes and eventually they might need wheelchairs too as their backs would get really sore from all the bending over.

[@kathryn.hubert]

That's a really interesting point that the word may be used more in the states because of ties to ADA compliance and regulations. I haven't thought again that connection before! And, yes. It's interesting and helpful to think about our world being built in a way that is intended for humans with disabilities, instead of humans without. I'm of the mindset that many of the disabilities people experience are imposed by culture/lack of adaptations. Your example of wheelchair access is a good one!

[@kjpcgaming9296]

No, The weighting of a saddle equalizes the WEIGHT the horse carries from one jocky to another. It's not at all about slowing down a faster horse. If one jockey weighs 120 pounds and another weighs 140 pounds they put 20 pounds in the saddle of the lighter jockey - so that the horses are being races NOT the light jockey vs the heavier jockey. A handicap in gambling or in golf has to do with other things. Words can have more than one meaning. I disagree completely that handicap is a bad word for disability. It's the same thing. I am disabled - I am handicapped. Cancel culture is NOT good for language or for sociiety.

[@jus4795]

"Accessible parking space" doesn't really fit as it is a parking space that only people with disabilities have the right to use.

[@paulascott5701]

You have no right to ban words. Who do you think you are? Handicap means a hardship that most people don't have. If that insults you, you are searching for ways to be insulted. I'm stick to death of this preposterous language tyranny. English is a beautiful and powerful language and you have no right to redefine words and ban them. This self aggrandizement is nothing short of revolting.

[@naesenh.2162]

I agree no one should dictate the ban of any word especially in the U.S people should be free to either adapt to new ways of describing things or feel free to use the old way that has been used throughout history. However, I can see how handicap can eventually become a more degrading term when compared to "people with disabilities" just like the word retard is distasteful as oppose of saying "person with a learning disability." Again, anyone should be free to use the language they want in our country, but progress comes from letting our language evolve as humanity progresses in empathy and compassion for others.

[@paulascott5701]

@@naesenh.2162 They will stigmatize the use of the word disability. Constantly trying to redefine words is dishonest. The English language has not "evolved", it has devolved, thanks to egomaniacs like this woman. If you don't believe me, read a letter written by a 13 year old 150 years ago.