MetaTalk

The ableism in this thread was so blatant and astounding that we really need to talk about it. The notion that it’s ok because it’s a thread for caretakers to vent is nothing short of disturbing for a disabled person. We would not feel as though other forms of bigotry are ok to vent about in a thread and the people pushing back on it are just not understanding how necessary it is. This is not a matter of more moderation being a solution. This really is a matter for people to wrestle with and come to grips with. You are describing fellow Mefites as “grotesque.” You don’t view it that way, and we’re supposed to be ok with it because it’s your experience. But sometimes you really gotta challenge your experiences and ask yourself why you are treating something hurtful and subjective as an objective truth for yourself and learn how to change yourself. This is the work. This kind of ableism is rampant and that thread is a super distilled version of it. [more inside]
posted by Bottlecap on Sep 26, 2023 - 50 comments

Recently I have noticed several different commenters on MetaFilter using the phrase "wheelchair bound." This is a phrase that a lot of wheelchair users (including myself) find deeply objectionable, as wheelchairs actually give us freedom of movement compared to not having a wheelchair. (Also, a lot of wheelchair users are ambulatory wheelchair users, e.g. they can sometimes walk a very short distance.) The preferred term is "wheelchair user". If using it as an adjective, you can say "wheelchair using", e.g. "My wheelchair-using girlfriend."
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries on Jul 13, 2023 - 43 comments

What can we as community members learn from each other and help each other improve about posting and commenting around issues that relate to disabilities/differences? [more inside]
posted by warriorqueen on May 30, 2022 - 187 comments

As someone who is autistic, I think that we need to have a conversation about ABA questions, or people seeking recommendations about ABA. I don't know if we should allow it, like we don't allow other ablest practices.
posted by PinkMoose on Jun 30, 2021 - 21 comments

Can we talk about avoiding use of "moron" casually? Similar to the related 'r' word, it has had clinical connotations and has been used to marginalize and other those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Posting as I was mildly shocked at its abundant use on the recent vaccine thread. Perhaps we can also avoid using the related "imbecile" and "idiot".
posted by lemur on Jun 28, 2021 - 138 comments

This thread is continuing conversations about disability/ableism both on and off the site. It is a space for people affected by ableism to converse. You get to decide if that applies to you; if you're unsure or questioning, your contributions are welcome. This thread is for everyone to read, but mostly for disabled people to participate in. [more inside]
posted by brook horse on Mar 12, 2020 - 36 comments

Like previous MeTas, this thread is a space for people affected by ableism to converse, about experiences on and off the site. We're trying to make this a space relatively free of pressure from people who AREN'T hurt by ableism. You get to decide whether ableism affects you. This thread is for everyone to read and for disabled people to (mostly) participate in. [more inside]
posted by brainwane on Jan 21, 2020 - 136 comments

If you are neurodivergent, how does MetaFilter affect you, and how does your neurodivergence affect your participation in and use of MetaFilter? How could MetaFiter -- technologically and socially -- better accommodate your neurodivergence? [more inside]
posted by diss track able on Jul 30, 2019 - 339 comments

I do not like having ableist slurs on the front page of Metafilter. [more inside]
posted by hydropsyche on Sep 6, 2016 - 486 comments

The last #WomensMarch MetaTalk thread has closed; I would like one open to discuss what's happening, and if anyone needs to throw out a question.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome on Mar 26, 2015 - 68 comments

I'm issuing a #WomensMarch* Challenge - can we add 100 extra FFPs by women in the month of March? [more inside]
posted by Deoridhe on Feb 24, 2015 - 328 comments