Disability Etiquette

A Way with Words

Suggestions for improving communications with people with disabilities

Language is a powerful and important tool in shaping ideas, perceptions, and ultimately public attitudes. Words are a mirror of society's attitudes and perceptions. Attitudes can be the most difficult barrier people with disabilities must face in gaining full integration, acceptance and participation in society. It's not about "political correctness." People with disabilities are asking, just like women and other minority groups are asking that people temporarily without disabilities use respectful language.

In speaking or writing, remember that people with disabilities are like everyone else - except that they happen to have a disability. Here are some etiquette tips:

• Speak to the person first, then if necessary, their disability. Emphasize the person, not their disability. Don't say "the disabled"; say "person with disabilities."

• "Disability" and "handicap" are two different things. A disability is a functional limitation or restriction of an individual's ability to perform an activity. A handicap is an environmental or attitudinal barrier that limits the opportunity for a person to participate fully. Negative attitudes or inaccessible building entrances are examples of handicaps.

• Avoid putting people with disabilities on a pedestal and using patronizing terms. Don't give excessive praise or attention to a person with disabilities, this in itself is demeaning. Avoid categorizing people with disabilities as either super-achievers or tragic figures. Choose words that are non-judgmental, non-emotional and are accurate descriptions. Avoid using "brave," "courageous," "inspirational," or other similar words that are routinely used to describe people with disabilities.

• Choice and independence are important. Speak directly to people with disabilities and let the person do or speak for themselves, rather than through a companion who may be there.

• Do not unnecessarily emphasize differences. Having a "one of them" versus a "one of us" attitude only serves to reinforce barriers.

• Remember that although some disabilities are not visible, it does not mean they are less real. People with invisible disabilities like epilepsy, hemophilia, psychiatric, learning, HIV & AIDS, head injuries or developmental disabilities also encounter negative attitudes and barriers.

• Be mindful of support devices/services being employed by people with disabilities. Seeing-eye dogs are working when they wear their harnesses (don't pet or talk to), a person's wheelchair is part of their personal space (don't lean on it), communicate directly to a person who is deaf when an interpreter is present.

"A Way with Words" is adapted from a publication of the same name; produced by the Department of the Secretary of State of Canada