Support. They need more with disabilities in general. They've gotten better over the years, but not doing (for example) disabled avis for Disability Pride Month in July was a missed opportunity.
I think its good for inclusiveness, but i have some concerns with it. There would have to be both "normal" for lack of a better word, and neurodivergent avis longterm to keep it fair. It will be a lot of work for designers. And with that, it wont be just limited to downsyndrome, it will have to include all spectrums. So if you guys are willing to do the work, im for it. But otherwise my vote is no. Because when new things happen, other areas are usually neglected by ATA.
I honestly haven't seen this happen with any of the other disabled avatars we have (wheelchair users and amputees). I have however seen it happen with people using Black avatars to be racist stereotypes (have not seen this happen often though). So if this does happen, I don't think it would be a widespread issue. Ableism is already against the rules, and I would maybe still encourage mods to refamiliarize themselves with microaggressions against disabled people to better moderate.
That's disappointing! I don't think that should hold us back from representation though. Ableism takes place with or without disabled avatars and it will still be a silenceable offense just as ableism is now.
I can second this. When they did that wedding fall hunt and one was the main storyline avi, there was someone who admitted they’ve never used or needed a wheelchair and used that avi to make “jokes” towards people that did. (If I could remember who it was I would for sure name drop lmao). But there are enough people on this app who didn’t/don’t tolerate that and I believe people will correct that real fast.
I don’t like the wording of this survey due to the use of the word “must”. I voted “yes” but think rhe question is unfair to all other disabilities. Why is it a “must” specific to Down syndrome. It results in a “yes/no” ultimatum that results in the game’s vendor being able to agree with or decline to accommodate the survey request for inclusivity of “Down Syndrome”. If the manufacturer declines, then no Down syndrome avatars. All other disabilities are up in the air whether and how they choose to support them in game. You could get a yes/no on Down Syndrome while getting nothing concrete for any other disability. Asking the survey specific to Down Syndrome presents the originator of the survey to be tunnel visioned about a single disorder/ailment. It’s as if asking someone if they like the taste of M&M’s and they respond “only the green ones”. I’d recommend asking it as “ATA must (should) increase the number and emphasis on avatars portraying disabilities or ailment (ex. Down Syndrome, Chemotherapy Cancer Patients, Vitiligo, Diabetes, etc).” I think saying “must” comes off as combative and results in the manufacture becoming defensive.” In software contacting and statements of work (SOW) where a customer relays requirements to providing company, we use “shall” universally. (Not ‘will’) Thanks for asking our opinion on the matter, hopefully this helps you achieve your goals.
ii want to also express my understanding of why this survey was important. I take it that one thing you want is the avatars to better capture the disorder. In the past i suggested to ATA that their avatars with wheelchairs showed people with grimaces or frowns and that stigmatized those with disabilities as being unhappy, which isn’t the case. A could months later in 2023 a purchasable smilingavi in a grey sweater in a wheelchair was released. I loved it. But, i think this survey is asking ATA to better distinguish disabilities in the imagery rather than just wheelchairs. Each disorder or physical set back has its own characteristics on a how a person can appear. So the avatars this survey should ask for should distinguish the characteristics typical of that disorder or disease.beyond just “person in wheelchair”