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Actually maybe I'll start it now while I'm thinking of it. I present to you: Eddie's thread of shit that able-bodied people should stop saying/doing. Others are free to chime in.
For clarification, I mostly speak from my experience as a physically disabled, chronically ill, and deformed person. Remember that disability is not a monolith, and it's impossible for me to speak for all disabled groups- I merely wish to give my input from *my* groups.
1. The word cripple does not, and never will belong to you. It doesn't matter if it's used in reference to something else, pick up a dictionary and learn some new words please.
2. Even if it's not your intent, calling us “inspirational,” “brave,” or “special” is patronizing when we're just living our lives like any other normal person. Fine in the context of complimenting skills and talents, but we don't wanna hear it when we're just getting groceries.
3. Trigger-tagging deformities and permanent injuries. We don't care if it's "traumatizing" to you, treat us like you do with everyone else you weirdos.
4. Please mind your own business when it comes to our mobility aids- don't touch them, don't ask why we use them, and don't tell us that we're "Too young" to need them. Many of us see them as extensions to our bodies, so pay no mind and move on.
5. Can't believe that this is one that I have to say but experiencing physical symptoms of mental illnesses or developmental disorders doesn't make you physically disabled.
6. "I hope you get better soon!" Again, I understand the intent, but remember that for many of us, 'getting better' isn't an option when dealing with something incurable. Wishing us better days is often fine, but teeter away from the phrase "get better soon".
7. Quit trying to pry into our lives to see if we're faking or not! Yes, fakers do need to be called out, but why do you have to bring actual disabled people into it? You're not our doctors, and that's when our doctors are actually correct about something!
8. "Handi-abled" "Differently-abled" "Special needs" You don't need these words, 'disabled' is not a dirty or shameful word. Call us what we are.
9. In relation to 4; jokes about young disabled people being like elders or grandparents aren't as funny as you think they are, we just laugh because of the secondhand embarrassment. Leave those jokes to make about ourselves, thank you very much.
10. Quit trying to relate to us! You being tired once or having come down with an awful virus that one time is nowhere near what we experience on a daily basis! Understand that you can relate to us in different ways, concerning things not related to our permanent disabilities.
11. Any implications of us being "lucky" to "spend the day in bed" or "get extra sick days", it's never enjoyable for us and we would much rather be using our days of being house- or bedbound towards being functional.
12. Another one that I can't believe I have to point out, but any suggestions that disabled people can't be attractive, *especially* deformed people. I shouldn't have to explain myself with this one.
Taking a break I may continue this tomorrow but until then my beloved physically disabled oomfies can add on with their own suggestions, I know that I'm only just scratching the surface right now.
