r/YouShouldKnow • u/LtSoundwave • Jul 19 '20

Other YSK That many people with a disability consider their aides (wheelchair, etc.) an extension of themselves. You should ask before touching or moving them.

Read this article and was surprised to hear how many people struggle with this. Even if you are trying to help, you should ask first.

www.bbc.com/news/disability-49584591

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '20

Yup. I call myself crippled but not everyone likes that I've noticed. Golden rule works as always. :)

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '20

There is full overlap between all registers. Self-irony can be strong in people with any kind of restriction on their physical and mental abilities and at the same time people with no concrete idea of what disabilities imply might be extremely conservative about lax language.

Ultimately, it's about register. If you're talking to some good friends, chances are you're constantly called the worst already - and they like it or use it to form their identity within a certain circle of friends. If they don't, they usually will tell you to your face, well. Usually.

There's tons of resentment for overly cautious language in many, many communities. Having people jump in and shield you from half-clever insults is almost demeaning to some and often not something one would care for.