English Disability vocabulary in an inclusive way
27 May 2024
The Australian Network on Disability defines disability as any condition that limits an individual's ability to perform mental, sensory, or mobility functions. It may result from trauma, genetics, accident, or disease. A disability may be permanent or transitory, total or partial, lifelong or acquired, visible or invisible.
Disability is illustrated by the following:
- Deafness
- Low vision or blindness
- Depression
- Disorders of the physical body
'Disabled' is an alternative term for disability but is not inclusive language.
Employing inclusive language when discussing disabilities
Language is a potent instrument for fostering inclusion and exclusion in the workplace, as per the Diversity Council of Australia. It has the potential to establish a sense of belonging, respect, and appreciation within the team—the essence of inclusion.
It is crucial to discuss anyone in an inclusive manner, which entails employing language that is devoid of prejudice, bias, injury, or anything negative. The following terminology can facilitate a comprehensive discussion of disability.
Note the language that should be avoided and examine the inclusive terms and phrases that can be employed.
Recommended inclusive language / Language to avoid
- A person with a disability / handicapped person, disabled person.
- A person who is deaf or hard of hearing / deaf person.
- A person who is blind or has low vision / blind person, a person without sight.
- A person living with disability / disabled.
- A person with mental illness / mad.