Section 6: Using the right language

Different disabled people will prefer different forms of language. For instance, some people prefer ‘disabled person,’ others prefer ‘person with disabilities’ whilst others prefer to note their specific condition, for example, ‘I have dyslexia’.

Disabled is a description not a group of people.  

The possibility of getting something wrong, or offending a colleague, can lead to managers not having important conversations.  

Do:  

• Speak to your colleagues and discover their preferences.  
• Mirroring the language your disabled colleagues use themselves can be helpful.
• Be positive! Avoid phrases like 'suffers from'.  
• Understand that some people may not identify as disabled (e.g. some  deaf people; some neurodivergent people).  

Don’t:  

• Assume that just because one employee wants one thing that all employees do.  
• Think that one conversation will fix everything and that nothing more needs to be done. Continue to engage with colleagues on language as what is considered best practice will change over time.