Inclusive language that is free of discrimination
Inclusive language that is free of discrimination
Three quick tips – What you can keep in mind when dealing with people with disabilities
- Describe in more specific terms: The way in which the same disability can affect individuals varies greatly. Refer specifically to the person you’re talking to and make sure that your behavior and the terms you use do not contain stereotypical ideas.
- Put the focus on the person: Do not use nominalized forms such as “the disabled” or “the blind”, which create the image of a fixed group. This group does not exist.
- Do not romanticize: Don’t talk about heroes and victims. People with disabilities don’t automatically “bravely” master their everyday lives. Do not ascribe a particular zest for life in relation to everyday things or make a blanket assumption of personal suffering as a result of the disability.
A detailed description of language free of discrimination is available by clicking on the following link:
Handout on inclusive language that is free of discrimination