The Ride Ahead Film Screening
Understanding Our Differences, Newton’s Commission On Disability and the Newton Free Library
present
The Ride Ahead
Film Screening and Discussion
Program Materials
THE RIDE AHEAD
Directed by SAMUEL HABIB and DAN HABI
DISABILITY LANGUAGE STYLE GUIDE
Click for downloadable PDF
PROBLEMATIC/ OUTDATED TERM
WHY IS IT PROBLEMATIC?
RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE
Wheelchair bound, confined to a
wheelchair
Many wheelchair-users experience
wheelchairs and other mobility
aids as liberating since they enable
freedom of movement, rather than
confining or restrictive.
Uses a wheelchair, wheelchair-user,
in a wheelchair.
Note: The people featured in this
film are strongly offended by the
phrase “wheelchair bound” to
describe them.
Differently abled, different
abilities, handicapable, special
needs
These are euphemistic phrases
to avoid saying “disability” or
“disabled.” Suggests that the word
“disability” is shameful or bad.
Disabled person or person with a
disability (referring to individuals)
Note: The people featured in this
film prefer to be called “disabled.”
Suffers from/afflicted with
Assumes that a disabled person is
suffering, has a reduced quality of life, is “sick,” or is a victim.
Simply state the facts about the
nature of the disability.
For example, “Maysoon has
cerebral palsy” “Samuel lives
with GNAO1 Neurodevelopmental
Disorder”
Non-verbal, non-communicative
Suggests that a person has no
language or ability to communicate
at all.
Explain how someone
communicates.
For example, “Samuel uses a
communication device, gestures,
as well as speech to communicate.”
Overcame his disability, didn’t
let his disability stop him,
heroic, courageous, brave (when
describing a disabled person
simply existing or completing
daily tasks)
This language is often referred to
as “inspiration porn.” It objectifies
a disabled person’s experience as a
source of inspiration, or motivation
for non-disabled people. Can be
infantilizing and condescending.
Avoid reducing a disabled person
to just tragedy or inspiration.
Discuss their full lived experience
as you would any other film
character.
If you have questions about language or need additional resources for media pieces, please reach out to The Ride Ahead’s
content expert, Co-Producer Erica Lupinacci: [email protected]
Attribution & Resources:
Lydia X.Z. Brown’s Ableist Language Guide
CommunicationFIRST
National Center on Disability and Journalism Disability Language Style Guide
