Language and Terminology

 

 

Language matters because the words used to describe disability can influence how people are perceived, treated, and included in society.

 

How language can affect people

Perceptions: Labels can influence how others view a person's abilities and potential.

 For example, words like handicap and cripple.

Expectations: Negative stereotypes may cause people to expect less from someone with a disability, independence, identity, and sense of belonging. For example, some disabilities can affect how quickly a person processes information, moves, communicates, or responds. Their reactions or responses may take longer or may be expressed differently, which can sometimes be difficult for other people to understand. This does not mean the person is less intelligent or less capable.

Inclusion: Respectful language can promote dignity, equality, and participation.

Empowerment: Using language that respects a person's choices.

Opportunities: Low expectations can affect access to education, employment, relationships, and community participation.

Self-image: Repeated negative language can affect a person's confidence

 and identity supports self-determination.

Person-first vs. Identity-first

Person-first Identity-first

"A person with a disability"   "A disabled person"

"A person with autism" "An autistic person"

Emphasises the person before the disability. Recognises disability as part of the person's identity

 

Neither approach is automatically right for everyone. The most respected approach is to ask people what terminology they prefer.

 

⭐ Key Study Point

 

Language does not simply describe disability; it can influence attitudes, expectations, opportunities, and how people experience their place in society.

 

This connects closely with self-determination: people with disabilities should have a voice in how they are described and how they define themselves.