Talking about disability

For many people, talking about disability is uncomfortable. Sometimes people unintentionally say things that are hurtful, offensive, or ableist. Actions and language matter. 

Person-first or identity-first

One of the first concerns many people have is how to refer to someone with a disability. It's acceptable to say the word, "disabled". Disabled and disability are not bad words.  

When speaking about disability, consider whether you're using person-first or identity-first language:

• Person-first: Puts the person, a "person with a disability", before their diagnosis

• Identity-first: Mentions the disability first, a "disabled person"

Person-first language is often preferred, but some groups, such as the Deaf community and many autistic people, prefer identity-first language. When referring to someone with a disability, ask their preference, if possible.  

Ableism and ableist language 

Ableism is bias against people based on their disability. 

Ableist language is using words and phrases that devalue disabled people by using disability language or historical descriptions of disabilities as an insult, or that treats disability as something to be pitied (Dictionary.com).  

Steps you can take

• Pay attention to the words you use. Many common phrases have roots in ableism. Referring to someone as "blind to" or "deaf to" something is ableist. “Blind to the truth” is ableist, while "See you later" is not. Euphemisms for disability, like "diffability" or "special needs" are ableist. 

• Learn some ableist words and terms to avoid. Follow the guidelines in the Disability Language Style Guide in your writing. 

• Don't make assumptions about ability. Anyone can have or acquire a disability, including students, faculty and staff, researchers, and you. 

When you exclude individuals or groups based on assumptions about their abilities, you are also minimizing their value and potentially their unique skills and perspectives. 

As Helen Keller said, "It is more difficult to teach ignorance to think than to teach an intelligent blind man to see the grandeur of Niagara."