I'm reasonably certain that the device icons don't represent a metaphorical use of the word 'disabled', but an extremely literal one - as in functionality of this device has been disabled.
-
-
Replying to @gsonderby
When I say metaphorical, I am talking about taking language that represents disabled people, and applying it to other cultural contexts. If you subscribe to the social model of disability, then to equate that with the 'disabling' of a device is indeed metaphorical.
1 reply 2 retweets 4 likes -
Replying to @alexhaagaard @gsonderby
In the same way that when media outlets report on how transit has been 'crippled' by a weather event is a metaphorical usage and appropriation of language that represents an oppressed group of people.
2 replies 2 retweets 5 likes -
Replying to @alexhaagaard
But words often mean more than one thing, depending on use and context. The adjective 'disabled' doesn't mean the same thing as the past-tense verb 'disabled'. And using the verb for functionality of machines, devices, etc. is long established.
1 reply 0 retweets 0 likes -
Replying to @gsonderby
And what I am saying is that it is still ableist and we need to move away from it. Using sanist slurs is also well-established and has a long history. That does not make any less oppressive or any more okay.
1 reply 1 retweet 6 likes -
Replying to @alexhaagaard
I have a leg in each of these camps - I'm disabled, and a developer too. We need some terminology for switching off or limiting function of systems. We also need some for disability. Human language is famously ambiguous. So... which do we stop using?
1 reply 0 retweets 1 like -
Replying to @gsonderby @alexhaagaard
You can say "turn on airplane mode" or "activate"/"inactivate", etc., so much to choose from.
2 replies 1 retweet 1 like -
Replying to @o_guest @gsonderby
Exactly! And now that we have the theoretical framework of social model of disability, this renders the use of 'disable' when what is meant is 'inactivate' or 'turn off' really imprecise and inappropriate.
1 reply 1 retweet 2 likes -
Fundamentally, that usage requires a eugenicist, medical model interpretation of what the word 'disabled' means.
1 reply 1 retweet 3 likes -
Replying to @alexhaagaard @o_guest
Then I wish you good luck, on both those fronts.
1 reply 0 retweets 0 likes
We don't say the r-word anymore without serious repercussions, so it's not about luck. It's about the nature of public debate, things do improve. 
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.