Recently, I watched a segment on Good Morning America featuring Bill Nye, the beloved “Science Guy,” who delivered a public service announcement on behalf of the National Ataxia Foundation. In this PSA, Nye sheds light on ataxia, a genetic disorder that affects balance and coordination, which is especially personal to him. As he revealed in the piece, ataxia runs in his family; His sister has it and his father lived with it although it sounded like he may not have had a diagnosis-I’m not sure. Nye shared that his father
being mistaken for being drunk due to his unsteady balance, was fired from his job over it because people thought he was drunk. This story underscores the need for awareness around medical issues that aren’t always visible, and it’s inspiring to see a well-known figure like Bill Nye use his platform to raise that awareness, and the psa is cute and fun.
As someone who supports awareness and open conversations around hidden disabilities and illnesses, I applaud Nye for bringing Ataxia into the spotlight. However, there was a line in his message that struck a chord with me—and not in a good way. At one point, Nye says something along the lines of, “You, as a normal person, probably lose your balance…” I’m sure many people listening to his PSA didn’t think twice about that phrasing. But to those of us attuned to the importance of language and inclusivity, it immediately raises the hair on the back of my neck: What does he mean by “normal”? And, more importantly, does this imply that those with a medical condition or disability are somehow not “normal”?
To some, this might seem like a small oversight, easily dismissed as just a poor choice of words. But I’d argue that this kind of language matters—deeply. Words shape our perceptions and frame our understanding of each other. When we categorize certain people as “normal,” we inadvertently create a dichotomy where those who don’t fit that label become “abnormal” by default. Even if that’s not the intent, it’s an implication that can alienate, marginalize, and diminish the experiences of those living with disabilities or chronic health conditions.
Medical conditions like Ataxia, which often come with daily struggles for balance, coordination, and muscle control, already carry a social and emotional weight. Those living with such medical issues might constantly face misunderstandings and misconceptions. Referring to others as “normal” only adds to this burden by subtly reinforcing the notion that they are somehow different or “othered.” The effect might be invisible, but it can compound the sense of exclusion many already feel.
If we want to foster real understanding and empathy, we need to be mindful of the language we use. Medical conditions and disabilities shouldn’t serve as markers of what’s “normal” or “abnormal.” Instead, we can approach these topics by using language that reflects the diversity of human experiences without creating categories that imply judgment.
Bill Nye could have easily said something along the lines of, “For people without Ataxia, losing balance occasionally is common…” By choosing words like “without ataxia” instead of “normal,” he could have made the same point without inadvertently creating a separation between “normal” people and those with Ataxia. When discussing disability, words matter because they’re not just about spreading awareness—they’re about fostering inclusivity, empathy, and respect.
While I appreciate Nye’s efforts and am grateful for his role in educating the public about Ataxia, I hope that this can serve as a gentle reminder to be intentional with language. For those with medical issues or disabilities, “normal” doesn’t exist in a black-and-white sense—it’s fluid, complex, and defined by each individual’s experience. By being mindful of our words, we can avoid creating unintentional divisions and instead create awareness that embraces all experiences.
So, let’s continue the conversation about disability-visible and invisible, and let’s continue raising awareness—just with a little more care for the words we choose. It may seem like a small thing to some, but for those who hear and live these words every day, it’s a step toward a more inclusive world where everyone, regardless of their physical ability, can feel accepted, understood, and valued.
Because yes, words really do matter!
And here is the link to the psa if you want to see
Bill Nye: https://www.billnye.com
National Ataxia Foundation: https://www.ataxia.org
By Michelle Friedman
Michelle Friedman is the board chair of Keshet in Chicago, a member of Disability Lead and has been a disability advocate for 40 years. She has written two children’s books and is a frequent speaker for elementary and high school-age students.
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