Accessible Language

Accessible Language

Appropriate Language to use when communicate with a person with a disability: Promote the principle of “people first” e.g.: a person with a disability   

Avoid phrases and words that demean people with a disability   

Refrain from using terms such as ‘the deaf’, ‘the blind’ or ‘the disabled’. These terms are inappropriate because they do not reflect the individuality, equality or dignity of the person with a disability.   

The term ‘blind’ should only be used to describe someone who has no sight at all, otherwise say a person with low vision (only a very small percentage of all people with vision impairments are blind). It is OK to say “It’s good to see you” or “see you later” to a person with visual impairment or who is blind   

The term ‘deaf’ should only be used to describe someone who has no hearing at all. Otherwise, use ‘person with a hearing impairment’ or ‘person who is hard of hearing.

Try to avoid patronising language that implies people with disability are overly courageous, special, or superhuman just to get through the day with their disability; people with disability are just living their lives.

Here is a reference guide identifying appropriate and inappropriate language.

 

Appropriate Language	Inappropriate Language
Person with a disability	Disabled Person, Handicapped, Crippled,
Person who uses a wheelchair	Wheelchair bound Learning difficulty
Mental Health condition	Dumb, Special needs, Retarded Schizo, Emotionally disturbed, Insane, Lunatic
Cognitive disability	Retarded, Dumb
Accessible toilet	Handicapped or disabled toilet
Accessible parking	Handicapped or disabled parking