Ableism

Ableist language

Nature

Oppression of the differently abled by the temporarily able. Ableist language is that which is offensive, or insensitive, to the differently abled.

Background

Ableism emerged as a recognized global issue in the late 20th century, as disability rights movements highlighted systemic discrimination against disabled people. International attention intensified following the United Nations’ 1981 International Year of Disabled Persons and the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006. These milestones spurred worldwide discourse, revealing ableism’s pervasive impact across cultures, institutions, and policies, and prompting ongoing efforts to address entrenched social and structural barriers.