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Using plain and literal language (e.g., minimizing or defining idioms and figurative language) is important for fostering accessibility for people with specific cognitive disabilities and language learners. The words “disability” and “disease” have diferent meanings.
- Able-Bodied
- Ableism/Ableist
- Abnormal/Abnormality
- Addict/Addiction
- Afflicted With/Stricken With/Suffers From/Victim of
- Albino/Albinism
- Alcoholic/Alcoholism
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- American Sign Language (Asl)/Signer/Interpreter
Background:This term is used to describe someone who does not identify as having a disability. Some members of the disability community oppose its use because it implies that all people with disabilities lack “able bodies” or the ability to use their bodies well. They may prefer “non-disabled” or “enabled” as being more accurate. NCDJ Recommendatio...
Background:“Ableism” refers to discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities. Ableism comes in all forms, from overt prejudice to more subtle microaggressions. Disability advocate Anthony Pulrang defines ableism in this way in an article for Forbes46: “Any statement or behavior directed at a disabled person that denigrates or...
Background:“Abnormality” is a word used to describe a condition that deviates from what is considered normal. It can be appropriate when used in a medical context, such as “abnormal curvature of the spine” or an “abnormal test result.” However, when used to describe an individual, “abnormal” is widely viewed as derogatory. The phrase “abnormal beha...
Background: Addiction “is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences,” according to the American Academy of...
Background:These terms carry the assumption that a person with a disability is suffering or has a reduced quality of life. Not every person with a disability suffers, is a victim or is stricken. NCDJ Recommendation:It is preferable to use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability, simply stating the facts about the nature of th...
Background: According to the Mayo Clinic50, “albinism typically refers to oculocutaneous (ok-u-low-ku-TAY-nee-us) albinism (OCA) — a group of inherited disorders that results in little or no production of the pigment melanin. The type and amount of melanin your body produces determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. Melanin also plays a rol...
Background: An alcoholic is someone who has the disease of alcoholism. Alcoholism is characterized by a loss of control in alcohol use, according to the American Psychiatric Association52. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment49recommends using people-first language when referring to alcoholism, such as “someone with alcoholism” or “someone with...
Background: Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 by Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. in Akron, Ohio, according to the AA General Service Office53. AA is “a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism,” according to the group’s...
Background: The Americans with Disabilities Act54is federal civil rights legislation that was signed into law in 1990 to address discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications as well as state and local government services. NCDJ Recommendation:Use Americans with Disabilities Act...
Background:American Sign Language is a complete language that utilizes “signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body,” according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders55. Many people in North America who are deaf or hard of hearing use it as a primary means of communicatio...
While Government of Canada publications use person-first language by convention, we recommend that you follow the lead of persons with disabilities that you meet. If they prefer a certain vocabulary, you may wish to use those words as well.
If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105. Purpose. This guide supports communication with and about persons with disabilities in writing, speech and images. It aims to foster an accessibility- and disability-confident Canada.
Jul 29, 2022 · Ultimately, the best way to navigate disability language is to listen to people affected by disabilities and respect their preferences. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive society for everyone.
Whether you are a person with a disability, family member, friend, teacher, service provider, or member of the media, we encourage you to continually look for feedback about your word choice from the Disability Community and practice the language tips provided in this guide. We can all
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What language should people with disabilities use?
How can language help people with cognitive disabilities and language learners?
How do you communicate with someone with a disability?
What is a preferred way of referring to people with disabilities?
1. USE PEOPLE-FIRST LANGUAGE. People-first language is the most widely accepted language for referring to persons with disabilities. It is also the language used in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
