Disability-Inclusive Language – A Handy Guide
Adopting disability-inclusive language can have a profound impact on the people around you. Here is what you need to know.
Words are powerful.
Anyone who has been teased or bullied knows how hurtful words can be.
Unfortunately, the disability community has long been a target for offensive and derogatory language.
Sometimes, though, people unknowingly use harmful language. The world has evolved.
Whether the use of words is intentional or otherwise, we are determined to play our part in creating a more inclusive Australia.
As long-time advocates and supporters of people with disability, we have created this article to shine a light on terms that are considered offensive to our community and which should be avoided.
Additionally, we explore the use of person-first and identity-first language to help empower people with disability even further.
Here is your handy guide to disability-inclusive language.
Disability-Inclusive Language – Terms to Avoid
Australia's national peak disability rights and advocacy organisation, People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has created an extensive disability-inclusive language guide.
The guide has been written by people with disability and provides a detailed overview of terms to avoid and recommended alternative phrases.
In a broader sense, below is a snapshot of some terms that are considered offensive to people with disability, why they are considered hurtful and alternative phrases that you can adopt:
|
Do not say |
Instead, say |
Why? |
|---|---|---|
|
He has special needs. |
He has an intellectual disability. |
He may feel patronised by the word ‘special’. |
|
She is differently abled. |
She has a disability. |
She does not need to feel more different than she already might. |
|
He is handicapped. |
He has a disability. |
Just because he has a disability does not mean he is necessarily handicapped from leading a normal life. |
|
She is mentally disabled. |
She has an intellectual disability. |
This has negative historical connotations. |
|
He is crippled. |
He has a disability. |
The word ‘crippled’ means damaged or flawed and is an insensitive way to describe a person with disability. |
|
Normal. |
People without disability. |
Normal does not really exist. By using this word, it implies that people with disability are abnormal. |
Person-First Language vs. Identity-First Language
While there are hard and fast rules regarding many terms that describe people with disability, the use of person-first language or identity-first language is subjective.
Essentially, its use depends on the preference of the individual you are speaking with or about.
Here is an overview of person-first and identity-first language and why some people prefer one over the other.
Person-First Language
Person-first language is when you put the person before the disability. Examples include:
- People with disability.
- Anne has a disability.
- I have a disability.
Some people prefer person-first language because it puts the focus on the person rather than the disability, i.e., ‘person with intellectual disability’ rather than ‘intellectually disabled person’.
This kind of terminology encourages people to look beyond the disability. It is part of who the individual is, but it does not define them.
Using person-first language is a safe bet, especially if you are not a member of the disability community, as it is widely considered politically correct (PC).
Many journalists and government organisations tend to use person-first language when referring to people with disability.
Identity-First Language
Identity-first language recognises that disability is part of an individual’s identity and is used like an adjective. Examples include:
- Disabled people.
- Anne is disabled.
- I am disabled.
Some people prefer identity-first language, as it reaffirms that disability is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people are proud to be disabled.
In recent years, there has been a stronger push towards this kind of language, especially with younger people.
This is heartening, as it suggests stigmas around disability are lessening.
People who choose identity-first language often argue that person-first language makes disability seem like something to be ashamed of.
Some disability groups have long been using identity-first language, notably the blind and deaf communities.
What Language Should You Use?
The use of either person-first or identity-first language demonstrates a commitment to the same key outcome – to communicate respectfully with people with disability.
If you are unsure of which approach to follow, invite the individual you are speaking with to define themselves. Ask them what language they prefer.
A Final Word
If you are talking with or about a person with disability, simply call them by their name.
One of our Learning and Lifestyle Hub clients, Lucy, makes this point perfectly:
Hi, I am Lucy.
What should you call me? Lucy.
That is my name. I use a talker. I can tell you my name on my talker if you want to know it.
I love to welcome new people when they come to my hub. Also, I want you to know that my favourite animal is a giraffe.
Fighting for Our Community
At Endeavour Foundation, we constantly advocate for the rights of people with disability and fight for their voices to be heard.
We remain as committed as ever to our purpose of supporting people with disability to make their possibilities a reality.
If you are looking for a disability support partner who is firmly in your corner, get in touch with us to see how we can support you.