Ableist language is pervasive in our culture, often unnoticed but deeply ingrained. We often overlook our own biases because the belief in the inferiority of people with physical, mental, or psychiatric disabilities is so deeply embedded. We use words like “crazy” and “lame” casually, with little awareness of their oppressive history.
The use of ableist language is a significant issue both inside and outside of the workplace. According to the CDC, more than a quarter of Americans live with some form of disability. When we use ableist language, we insult and marginalize a large segment of the population. As a society, we must reevaluate our language and attitudes toward disability, beginning in the workplace. As we move forward, let’s commit to removing ableist terms and expressions from our vocabulary. Below are some commonly used ableist terms and more respectful alternatives.
Recognizing and Replacing Ableist Language
“Crazy”
People often use the word “crazy” to describe something strange or out of the ordinary. They also use it to refer to someone’s intense interest in something (“He goes crazy for baseball”). However, many forget that “crazy” has historically served as an insult toward those with mental illnesses (“He’s crazy”) and to undermine people’s genuine experiences (“She doesn’t mean that; she’s just being crazy”). This history remains, no matter how casually the word is used. Instead of calling people or things “crazy,” consider using:
- Wild
- Unbelievable
- Shocking
- Amazing
- Intense
- Ridiculous
“Lame”
“Lame” has become synonymous with inferiority. Merriam-Webster defines it as something “lacking needful or desirable substance.” Yet, the word originally described people or animals with non-functional limbs. By conflating a lack of full mobility with inferiority, we perpetuate harmful stereotypes about disabled individuals. Remove “lame” from your vocabulary and replace it with:
- Uncool
- Bad
- Awful
- Unpleasant
- Inappropriate
“OCD”
“OCD” is often misused to describe someone who is extremely meticulous or detail-oriented: “Sorry to be so OCD, but could we adjust the margins?” or “He’s so OCD he wanted us to change all these tiny things.” However, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a real mental illness affecting 2% of the world’s population. Using the term as an exaggeration diminishes the seriousness of the condition. Instead of “OCD,” use:
- Particular
- Precise
- Organized
- Fussy
Promoting Inclusivity Beyond Language
At Emtrain, we understand that making your workplace more inclusive goes beyond just using respectful language. True belonging involves changing how we conceptualize disability and how we interact with one another. Our DEI training courses focus on more than just compliance—they treat respect and empathy as essential workplace skills that can be developed over time.
Take Action Against Ableist Language
Eliminating ableist language is a vital step toward creating a more inclusive workplace. It’s about recognizing the impact of our words and choosing alternatives that respect everyone’s experiences. But inclusivity is about more than words; it’s about fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
To learn more about how Emtrain can support your DEI efforts, contact us or download a free demo of the Emtrain Solution today!
