Individuals with disabilities are principally characterized as people first and foremost.
I'm often asked: Is it okay for non-disabled people to make jokes about people with disabilities? I think: If the jokes are good, then sure.
"Every comedy routine should begin like a person in a wheelchair: It needs to set the tone." Comedian Felix Lobrecht used to start his shows with this joke. I think it's a clever play on words. It's a fact, it doesn't single anyone out, it's not offensive, and it's even a decent pun. Some wheelchair users might feel targeted - everyone is different. But overall, no one would take offense at this joke.
Comedian Chris Tall also makes jokes about people with disabilities in his shows, but he does so in a sympathetic way and without offending anyone. And the comedian, known for his large size, also makes jokes about overweight people, especially about himself.
However, the case of Luke Mockridge is different. Here, people with disabilities are made fun of, not just disabled athletes. In the podcast episode, it's suggested that disabled people are unable to achieve sporting excellence because they are disabled. That's a line that's not funny: belittling people because of their disability. The scene wasn't funny either.
Mockridge recognizes this, as his so-called apology a few days ago showed. But it's like Alexander Gauland's bird poop statement: Both his remark and imitating the movements of disabled people were planned beforehand. The partly mocking laughter that made this "comedy" downright disgusting was no accident. And it's a simple rule: If you don't want to have to apologize for crossing a line, don't cross it.
In everyday life
But what about in everyday life? Can you say anything to a person with a disability in a conversation? I would say: yes, but be aware of the consequences. People with disabilities react like people. They can be sensitive or tough, have good or bad days, good or bad moods. People with disabilities are people first and foremost.
So, don't say, do, or ask anything that you yourself would find disturbing. Don't touch a stranger with no arms on the shoulder if you wouldn't want someone to do that to you. Don't rush up to a person with impaired vision and grab them by the arm if you wouldn't want a stranger to cling to your arm. However, it wouldn't be okay if you're sure your counterpart might really need help. Consider that the person with impaired vision might not see you. Speak to them, they will react: positively, negatively, casually, stressed - it depends on the situation.
How you behave in a conversation with a person with a disability is quite simple: Treat them like a person. Don't make comments that you would find offensive from others. Don't ask questions that you wouldn't want to be asked yourself. If you've gone too far, you'll see it on your counterpart's face.
In general, I suggest: Be curious. The number of people with disabilities is decreasing thanks to better medical care. If you have the opportunity to talk to a person with a disability, take it. You'll learn a lot.
People with disabilities often refer to themselves as "disabled" or describe their disability as: paraplegic, deaf, blind. "Disability" is a neutral word that describes a state. For instance, I have a physical disability that prevents me from driving a car. My disability is visible, I don't hide it, and it's not something I'm ashamed of. The word "disability" isn't the issue. The problem lies in what people imagine when they hear it.
However, language is evolving, and people are increasingly at the center of the conversation. While it was acceptable ten years ago to say "the disabled person", today we should say "the person with a disability".
It's important to note that I don't just have a disability, I am also disabled. This applies to all people with disabilities, regardless of their specific disability: here, a sign language interpreter is missing, there, a toilet is inaccessible for a wheelchair user, elsewhere, a hotel has a breakfast buffet that's not navigable for a person with impaired vision. To cope, people with disabilities will seek solutions, like asking a hotel staff for help at the buffet.
People often find ways to avoid using the word "disability". While well-intentioned, I believe it's largely unnecessary. A popular term is "handicap", but it has a negative connotation, even in English-speaking countries. It literally translates to "restriction". However, due to assistive technology, modern laws, and a more considerate society, the lives of people with disabilities are less "restricted" than ever.
The fact is, while there's still a long way to go for complete normality, we've come quite far. This is evident in the backlash against the podcast featuring Luke Mockridge. Discriminating against people with disabilities is no longer acceptable. What's slowly gaining traction in society is: we're all the same.
In some circles, making light of disabilities can be seen as perpetuating discrimination. For instance, using stereotypes or making jokes that belittle individuals based on their disability can be perceived as disrespectful and harmful.
Moreover, certain phrases perpetuate negative stereotypes, such as referring to a person as "handicapped" instead of using the more person-first approach of "person with a disability." This term emphasizes the individual's identity and their abilities rather than focusing solely on their disability.
