[games_access] Terminology

Sat Dec 4 18:11:46 EST 2010

True, Lynsey -- Handicapped  as "Cap in Hand" is more of a UK concern (correct, Barrie?) than it is a US concern.

I'm not sure I understand how Hasbro got away with a Transformer game called "spastic" even in the US -- that's a term used as an insult by many a K-12 student (and above sometimes!). Perhaps it's losing it's luster as an insult!?!

Michelle

On Dec 4, 2010, at 8:02 AM, Lynsey Graham wrote:

> I think one of the things that makes it more awkward is that the way words are percieved varies so much from region to region, even in the same language - never mind when you start translating to many languages.    For example, while still unpleasant, 'spastic' and 'spazz' doesn't seem to be regarded as offensive in the US as it is in the UK - I've heard it used in a lot of US shows, including children's shows (hello Bratz).  I know Nintendo managed to get two games pulled from the shelves in the UK that featured the word (including Mario Party 8), and Hasbro recently launched a Transformer called Spastic (which won't be released in the UK).  Obviously that's a slightly more exteme example, but we really don't want to unintentionally offend anyone.
> 
> It's quite a challenge when you're working on a product that will be released across many regions!  
> From: Steve Spohn [mailto:steve at ablegamers.com]
> To: 'BlazeEagle' [mailto:blazeeagle at suddenlink.net], 'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List' [mailto:games_access at igda.org]
> Sent: Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:43:09 +0000
> Subject: Re: [games_access] Terminology
> 
> Exactly, Aaron. According to those who have scolded AG it should be "X
> challenged" "persons with disabilities" and "persons with limitations" - I
> say Disabled gamer a lot as it's what I am. Barrie is correct in the
> "people first" is awkward and attaches negativity. Everyone has a
> sensitivity to certain words but most of the disabled individuals I've met
> despise "cripple" and some hate "gimp."
> 
> I've never had someone object to disabled and only a few on handicapped.
> 
> Steve Spohn
> Associate Editor
> The AbleGamers Foundation
> 
> www.ablegamers.com
> www.ablegamers.org
> 
> Find me on Skype! Username: Steve_Spohn
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org]
> On Behalf Of BlazeEagle
> Sent: Friday, December 03, 2010 4:55 PM
> To: games_access at igda.org
> Subject: Re: [games_access] Terminology
> 
> I personally don't find it that offensive but each person has their own 
> preference. For physical disability, is "physically challenged" more "P.C."?
> 
> For visual disabilities, How about "visually challenged" for visual 
> disabilities?
> 
> It really just boils down to semantics & how sensitive one is.
> 
> Aaron
> 
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: <games_access-request at igda.org>
> Sent: Friday, December 03, 2010 12:11 PM
> To: <games_access at igda.org>
> Subject: games_access Digest, Vol 81, Issue 4
> 
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> > Today's Topics:
> >
> > 1. Terminology (Lynsey Graham)
> > 2. Re: Terminology (Sandra Uhling)
> > 3. Re: Terminology (Lynsey Graham)
> > 4. Re: Terminology (Barrie Ellis)
> >
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 1
> > Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2010 16:25:14 -0000
> > From: "Lynsey Graham" <lgraham at blitzgamesstudios.com>
> > Subject: [games_access] Terminology
> > To: "'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List'"
> > <games_access at igda.org>
> > Message-ID:
> > <7388601b-854b-41ec-8428-9794278692e2 at blitzgamesstudios.com>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> >
> > Hello all,
> >
> > I was wondering if I could ask for advice. I've just moved onto a 
> > project, and noticed that one of the lines of dialogue refers to 
> > 'handicapped people'. From what I've gathered, quite a few people find 
> > this term offensive - is this generally the case? We're trying to decide 
> > whether to cut the line, or whether to keep it (as some people on the team
> 
> > have never heard that it's offensive).
> >
> > Any feedback would be much appreciated!
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Lynsey
> >
> > Lynsey Graham
> > Designer | Blitz Games
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -- 
> >
> > IMPORTANT INFORMATION
> >
> > Information and any attached documentation from Blitz Games Studios 
> > Limited (including its divisions: Blitz Games, Volatile Games, Blitz 
> > Arcade, TruSim & BlitzTech) is intended for the use of the addressee only 
> > and may contain confidential information.
> >
> > If you are not the intended recipient please delete this email and notify 
> > us immediately.
> >
> > Please note that without the prior written consent of Blitz Games Studios 
> > Limited any form of distribution, copying or use of this email or the 
> > information in it is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
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> > Attachments to this email may accidentally contain software viruses. You 
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> > to carry out a virus check on any attachments before they are opened.
> >
> > Any formal offer contained in this email is subject to the standard terms 
> > & conditions of Blitz Games Studios Limited and must be signed by both 
> > parties. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author 
> > and do not necessarily represent those of Blitz Games Studios Limited.
> >
> > Blitz Games Studios Limited is registered in England (company no: 
> > 2482913). Its registered address is Regent Square House, The Parade, 
> > Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4NL, UK
> >
> > ***********
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> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 2
> > Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2010 17:44:14 +0100
> > From: "Sandra Uhling" <sandra_uhling at web.de>
> > Subject: Re: [games_access] Terminology
> > To: "'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List'"
> > <games_access at igda.org>
> > Message-ID: <004601cb9309$52353ac0$f69fb040$@de>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> >
> > Hi Lynsey,
> >
> > I think this video will help you.
> > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVqz0LKphws&feature=player_embedded
> >
> > Maybe you can describe the situation and what kind of disability the
> > referred people have?
> >
> > A good description in general is: Persons with Disabilities, short PwDs.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Sandra
> >
> >
> > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht-----
> > Von: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org] 
> > Im
> > Auftrag von Lynsey Graham
> > Gesendet: Freitag, 3. Dezember 2010 17:25
> > An: 'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List'
> > Betreff: [games_access] Terminology
> >
> > Hello all,
> >
> >
> > I was wondering if I could ask for advice. I?ve just moved onto a 
> > project,
> > and noticed that one of the lines of dialogue refers to ?handicapped
> > people?. From what I?ve gathered, quite a few people find this term
> > offensive ? is this generally the case? We?re trying to decide whether to
> > cut the line, or whether to keep it (as some people on the team have never
> > heard that it?s offensive).
> >
> >
> >
> > Any feedback would be much appreciated!
> >
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> >
> > Lynsey
> >
> >
> >
> > Lynsey Graham
> >
> > Designer | Blitz Games
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> >
> > -- 
> >
> > IMPORTANT INFORMATION
> >
> > Information and any attached documentation from Blitz Games Studios 
> > Limited
> > (including its divisions: Blitz Games, Volatile Games, Blitz Arcade, 
> > TruSim
> > & BlitzTech) is intended for the use of the addressee only and may contain
> > confidential information.
> >
> > If you are not the intended recipient please delete this email and notify 
> > us
> > immediately.
> >
> > Please note that without the prior written consent of Blitz Games Studios
> > Limited any form of distribution, copying or use of this email or the
> > information in it is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
> >
> > Attachments to this email may accidentally contain software viruses. You 
> > are
> > advised to take all reasonable precautions to minimise this risk and to
> > carry out a virus check on any attachments before they are opened.
> >
> > Any formal offer contained in this email is subject to the standard terms 
> > &
> > conditions of Blitz Games Studios Limited and must be signed by both
> > parties. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author 
> > and
> > do not necessarily represent those of Blitz Games Studios Limited.
> >
> > Blitz Games Studios Limited is registered in England (company no: 
> > 2482913).
> > Its registered address is Regent Square House, The Parade, Leamington Spa,
> > Warwickshire, CV32 4NL, UK
> >
> > ***********
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 3
> > Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2010 17:06:52 -0000
> > From: "Lynsey Graham" <lgraham at blitzgamesstudios.com>
> > Subject: Re: [games_access] Terminology
> > To: "'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List'"
> > <games_access at igda.org>
> > Message-ID:
> > <d7d7ff9c-c17f-47ed-acf2-f025896c73a1 at blitzgamesstudios.com>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> >
> > The line in question is:
> >
> > "Dogs are kept as pets but many also work for a living. They help out in 
> > all sorts of ways from pulling sleds, herding, helping the handicapped, 
> > guarding and hunting"
> >
> > It just strikes me as possibly being a bit awkwardly worded with the 
> > potential to offend. Strangely, the German translation seems to just 
> > refer to "f?hren Blinde", which I'm assuming is just referring to 
> > blindness?
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org]
> 
> > On Behalf Of Sandra Uhling
> > Sent: 03 December 2010 16:44
> > To: 'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List'
> > Subject: Re: [games_access] Terminology
> >
> > Hi Lynsey,
> >
> > I think this video will help you.
> > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVqz0LKphws&feature=player_embedded
> >
> > Maybe you can describe the situation and what kind of disability the
> > referred people have?
> >
> > A good description in general is: Persons with Disabilities, short PwDs.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Sandra
> >
> >
> > -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht-----
> > Von: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org] 
> > Im
> > Auftrag von Lynsey Graham
> > Gesendet: Freitag, 3. Dezember 2010 17:25
> > An: 'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List'
> > Betreff: [games_access] Terminology
> >
> > Hello all,
> >
> >
> > I was wondering if I could ask for advice. I've just moved onto a 
> > project,
> > and noticed that one of the lines of dialogue refers to 'handicapped
> > people'. From what I've gathered, quite a few people find this term
> > offensive - is this generally the case? We're trying to decide whether to
> > cut the line, or whether to keep it (as some people on the team have never
> > heard that it's offensive).
> >
> >
> >
> > Any feedback would be much appreciated!
> >
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> >
> > Lynsey
> >
> >
> >
> > Lynsey Graham
> >
> > Designer | Blitz Games
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> >
> > -- 
> >
> > IMPORTANT INFORMATION
> >
> > Information and any attached documentation from Blitz Games Studios 
> > Limited
> > (including its divisions: Blitz Games, Volatile Games, Blitz Arcade, 
> > TruSim
> > & BlitzTech) is intended for the use of the addressee only and may contain
> > confidential information.
> >
> > If you are not the intended recipient please delete this email and notify 
> > us
> > immediately.
> >
> > Please note that without the prior written consent of Blitz Games Studios
> > Limited any form of distribution, copying or use of this email or the
> > information in it is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
> >
> > Attachments to this email may accidentally contain software viruses. You 
> > are
> > advised to take all reasonable precautions to minimise this risk and to
> > carry out a virus check on any attachments before they are opened.
> >
> > Any formal offer contained in this email is subject to the standard terms 
> > &
> > conditions of Blitz Games Studios Limited and must be signed by both
> > parties. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author 
> > and
> > do not necessarily represent those of Blitz Games Studios Limited.
> >
> > Blitz Games Studios Limited is registered in England (company no: 
> > 2482913).
> > Its registered address is Regent Square House, The Parade, Leamington Spa,
> > Warwickshire, CV32 4NL, UK
> >
> > ***********
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > games_access mailing list
> > games_access at igda.org
> > http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access
> >
> >
> > -- 
> >
> > IMPORTANT INFORMATION
> >
> > Information and any attached documentation from Blitz Games Studios 
> > Limited (including its divisions: Blitz Games, Volatile Games, Blitz 
> > Arcade, TruSim & BlitzTech) is intended for the use of the addressee only 
> > and may contain confidential information.
> >
> > If you are not the intended recipient please delete this email and notify 
> > us immediately.
> >
> > Please note that without the prior written consent of Blitz Games Studios 
> > Limited any form of distribution, copying or use of this email or the 
> > information in it is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
> >
> > Attachments to this email may accidentally contain software viruses. You 
> > are advised to take all reasonable precautions to minimise this risk and 
> > to carry out a virus check on any attachments before they are opened.
> >
> > Any formal offer contained in this email is subject to the standard terms 
> > & conditions of Blitz Games Studios Limited and must be signed by both 
> > parties. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author 
> > and do not necessarily represent those of Blitz Games Studios Limited.
> >
> > Blitz Games Studios Limited is registered in England (company no: 
> > 2482913). Its registered address is Regent Square House, The Parade, 
> > Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4NL, UK
> >
> > ***********
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 4
> > Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2010 17:11:45 -0000
> > From: "Barrie Ellis" <oneswitch at gmail.com>
> > Subject: Re: [games_access] Terminology
> > To: "IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List"
> > <games_access at igda.org>
> > Message-ID: <C7AC2B07E36F4F659136228847280420 at OneSwitchPC>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> > reply-type=original
> >
> > I much prefer the term Disabled Person/People, in the context that a 
> > person
> > is disabled by something in their environment that poses a barrier to 
> > them.
> > If a person can't get into a shop because they need to use a wheelchair,
> > then you might consider them a disabled person. If there's a ramp in 
> > place,
> > that they can use, then they are no longer disabled in that particular
> > context. The same with video games.
> >
> > Saying "Person with disability", attaches the disability to them, and 
> > always
> > feels like a more medical way of describing someone to me. You'll hear
> > people use the "people first" argument, but I prefer to describe people as
> > people first. Then if there's something disabling them from doing what 
> > they
> > need/want to do, I would describe the person as a disabled person.
> >
> > Barrie
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> > From: "Sandra Uhling" <sandra_uhling at web.de>
> > Sent: Friday, December 03, 2010 4:44 PM
> > To: "'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List'" <games_access at igda.org>
> > Subject: Re: [games_access] Terminology
> >
> >> Hi Lynsey,
> >>
> >> I think this video will help you.
> >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVqz0LKphws&feature=player_embedded
> >>
> >> Maybe you can describe the situation and what kind of disability the
> >> referred people have?
> >>
> >> A good description in general is: Persons with Disabilities, short PwDs.
> >>
> >> Best regards,
> >> Sandra
> >>
> >>
> >> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht-----
> >> Von: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org]
> >> Im
> >> Auftrag von Lynsey Graham
> >> Gesendet: Freitag, 3. Dezember 2010 17:25
> >> An: 'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List'
> >> Betreff: [games_access] Terminology
> >>
> >> Hello all,
> >>
> >>
> >> I was wondering if I could ask for advice. I've just moved onto a
> >> project,
> >> and noticed that one of the lines of dialogue refers to 'handicapped
> >> people'. From what I've gathered, quite a few people find this term
> >> offensive - is this generally the case? We're trying to decide whether 
> >> to
> >> cut the line, or whether to keep it (as some people on the team have 
> >> never
> >> heard that it's offensive).
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Any feedback would be much appreciated!
> >>
> >>
> >> Cheers,
> >>
> >>
> >> Lynsey
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Lynsey Graham
> >>
> >> Designer | Blitz Games
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> ________________________________
> >>
> >> -- 
> >>
> >> IMPORTANT INFORMATION
> >>
> >> Information and any attached documentation from Blitz Games Studios
> >> Limited
> >> (including its divisions: Blitz Games, Volatile Games, Blitz Arcade,
> >> TruSim
> >> & BlitzTech) is intended for the use of the addressee only and may 
> >> contain
> >> confidential information.
> >>
> >> If you are not the intended recipient please delete this email and notify
> >> us
> >> immediately.
> >>
> >> Please note that without the prior written consent of Blitz Games Studios
> >> Limited any form of distribution, copying or use of this email or the
> >> information in it is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
> >>
> >> Attachments to this email may accidentally contain software viruses. You
> >> are
> >> advised to take all reasonable precautions to minimise this risk and to
> >> carry out a virus check on any attachments before they are opened.
> >>
> >> Any formal offer contained in this email is subject to the standard terms
> >> &
> >> conditions of Blitz Games Studios Limited and must be signed by both
> >> parties. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author
> >> and
> >> do not necessarily represent those of Blitz Games Studios Limited.
> >>
> >> Blitz Games Studios Limited is registered in England (company no:
> >> 2482913).
> >> Its registered address is Regent Square House, The Parade, Leamington 
> >> Spa,
> >> Warwickshire, CV32 4NL, UK
> >>
> >> ***********
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> games_access mailing list
> >> games_access at igda.org
> >> http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > games_access mailing list
> > games_access at igda.org
> > http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access
> >
> >
> > End of games_access Digest, Vol 81, Issue 4
> > ******************************************* 
> 
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> 
> -- 
> 
> IMPORTANT INFORMATION
> 
> Information and any attached documentation from Blitz Games Studios Limited (including its divisions: Blitz Games, Volatile Games, Blitz Arcade, TruSim & BlitzTech) is intended for the use of the addressee only and may contain confidential information.
> 
> If you are not the intended recipient please delete this email and notify us immediately.
> 
> Please note that without the prior written consent of Blitz Games Studios Limited any form of distribution, copying or use of this email or the information in it is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
> 
> Attachments to this email may accidentally contain software viruses. You are advised to take all reasonable precautions to minimise this risk and to carry out a virus check on any attachments before they are opened.
> 
> Any formal offer contained in this email is subject to the standard terms & conditions of Blitz Games Studios Limited and must be signed by both parties. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Blitz Games Studios Limited.
> 
> Blitz Games Studios Limited is registered in England (company no: 2482913).  Its registered address is Regent Square House, The Parade, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4NL, UK
> 
> ***********
> _______________________________________________
> games_access mailing list
> games_access at igda.org
> http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access

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