get-alex / alex

Catch insensitive, inconsiderate writing
https://alexjs.com
MIT License
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Why is "with a disability" better than "disabled"? #291

Open zorae opened 4 years ago

zorae commented 4 years ago

Alex flags any instance of "disabled" and suggests "with a disability" instead. What is the reasoning behind this?

I am aware that some disability advocates have discouraged use of "disabled", but this is far from consensus. Other lists of ableist language don't flag "disabled" and I've personally met more people who describe themselves as "disabled" than who prefer "person with a disability".

wooorm commented 4 years ago

You are correct! It depends. The lists I based the original entries on at the start, preferred people-first language. I think alex should have more options, such as in this case, where it allows either people- or identity-first language.

However, that also has problems. E.g., people with AIDS historically fought for person-first language. But other groups, such as in the Blind, are serious about identity-first. So it shouldn’t all be an option.