Advocacy for Inclusion

"providing individual and systemic advocacy to improve life for people who have a disability"

Information Sheet

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Non-discriminatory Language and People who have a Disability:
Inclusive Communities Through People First Language

The way we think is reflected in the way we speak so there are some crucial things to remember when thinking about disability.

• Disability is not a constant but is fashioned by environment. Some environments, such as inaccessible buildings or unsatisfactory educational institutions, reinforce limitations on people who have a disability. Within inclusive and supportive environments a disability is simply one aspect out of many that makes an individual unique.
• Disability is often spoken of in terms of ‘problems’, such as “she has problems learning”. It is far more effective to think about needs that can be fulfilled, such as “she needs assistance in learning.”
• The language of disability is not about being ‘politically correct’ but is about removing the stereotypes and disparagement brought about by the use of labels and ensuring that everyone is treated with respect.

A disability does not define who a person is: people who have a disability are fundamentally people; a disability is only one aspect of the sum total of a unique individual.

In every instance it is important to avoid using language that:

• considers the disability before the person;
• classes people according to their disability
• implies commonality derived solely from having a disability;
• utilises slang or derivative terms for disabilities; or
• makes generalisations.

Everyone should be encouraged to choose language that reflects an inclusive society and that values all members of the community.

A Guide to Non-discriminatory Language

Avoid…

…Using terms like the disabled, the mentally retarded; the deaf; the blind etc.
These suggest that these features are central to the person rather than being simply one aspect. It allows us to forget the person as an individual and lumps them into groups just by using “the”.

• Instead use people who have a disability, people who are deaf, or people who are blind.

…Describing someone as an epileptic, an arthritic, a spastic, a Downs, a Mongoloid.
These make it sound as if the person is the condition itself.

• Why not say that someone has epilepsy, cerebral palsy, etc. or that someone has an intellectual disability.

…Describing someone as insane, a maniac, a mental patient, a psycho or of unsound mind.
More labels, if a person has a psychiatric condition, and it is necessary to draw attention to the fact, treat the disability separately from the person.

• For example say “the person who has a mental illness” or “the person who has… (specify the illness)”.

…Using derogatory terms such as: deaf and dumb; deaf-mute; dummy; blind as a bat; cripple.
Such terms are inaccurate and demeaning.

• It is just as easy to say that someone is deaf, blind, partially sighted, unable to walk or has a physical disability.

…Defining the disability as a limitation or ‘handicap’, such as "confined to a wheelchair" or "wheelchair-bound". A wheelchair liberates, it does not confine.

• Say that a person uses a wheelchair.

…Using euphemisms such as “differently abled” or “physically challenged”.

• If a person has a physical, sensory or intellectual disability and it is necessary to draw attention to it, simply state the fact, just as you might say “the man with the brown hair”.

Don’t describe someone as an invalid or as afflicted with; stricken with; a victim of; or suffering from a disability or mental illness. These terms make people into patients in need of cures. They indicate helplessness, dependency and defeat. People who have a disability are not sick.

Don’t describe someone as abnormal; defected; defective. Those are terms far better suited to products such as motor vehicles. They make a person seem like an object, robbing them of dignity.

Don’t use the term “normal” in contrast to people who have a disability, this evokes the unconscious opposite “abnormal”.

Don’t refer to all people who have a disability as being brave or inspirational. Some are and some aren’t, just like everybody else.

Do you need more information or can we assist you?
Please contact Advocacy for Inclusion on 6286 9422

Sources

APA Online, ‘Removing Bias in Language: Disabilities’, in APA Stlye.org http://www.apastyle.org/disabilities.html (2003) Accessed 23/05/05
FaCS, ‘Use of Language ’, in Commonwealth Disability Strategy http://www.facs.gov.au/disability/cds/pubs/icp/language1.htm (2000) Accessed 23/05/05
Snow, Kathie, ‘People First Language’, in Disability is Natural http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/peoplefirstlanguage.htm (January 2005) Accessed 23/05/05
UNSW, ‘Non Discriminatory Presentation & Practice - Fair Representation of People with Disabilities’, in UNSW infoNET http://www.infonet.unsw.edu.au/poldoc/disdiscr.htm (February 1995) Accessed 23/05/05

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