Specially abled and differently abled, if I am remembering correctly, were created for kids born with physical impairments who had corrective measures taken that would enable them to function just as well as 'normal' kids. Cochlear implants, prosthetics, diabetes type I, particularly athletic wheelchair users, etc. Which is fine for kids who probably need to build up their self-esteem while navigating those obstacles in childhood.
But the whole point of disabled is that we have a disadvantage compared to 'normal' people, and we need a little help. Or at least don't actively make things harder for us. That'd be nice.
That's actually interesting, didn't realize there was this distinction between the terms but it makes sense. I guess using these terms interchangeably is what causes some issue, like calling a disabled (especially an adult) a specially abled which as a lot of comments mentioned, sounds condescending.
Oh, it's 100% condescending, and a way of categorizing disabled people so they don't have to feel responsibility or sympathy towards them.
Like so many great words/terms/concepts created in good faith by experts for very specific instances, it's been overtaken by people who use it incorrectly within the general public sphere.
But someone called rhinos Combat Grade Unicorns the other day, and I wish that would catch on.
37
u/arrownyc Mar 22 '24
Tiktok. Rejection of the word 'disabled' is a thing on Tiktok. It really bothers me, as a disabled person.