Disability
Disability is an area where language is subject to debate and change. There is often concern as to whether words used are appropriate. As language is constantly evolving this section can only be a guide to what is preferred. It is most important to remember that people have the right and choice to describe themselves however they wish. If you are not sure what term to use, take your cue from the person.
Depending on how it is used, language can reinforce either positive or negative views of disability. Generally, the preferred language always describes disabled people in an active rather than a passive role. For example 'wheelchair bound' portrays a negative image of the person, while 'wheelchair user' is an active term which shifts the emphasis from the wheelchair to the person. The word 'special' when referring to disabled people tends to either mean extraordinary or not good enough, and may be viewed as patronising.
The terms 'disabled students' and 'students with additional support requirements' are used at the University of Sheffield.
Do not use collective nouns such as 'the disabled' or 'the blind' as this implies a separate group of people. Labelling someone by their medical condition should also be avoided; someone is 'a person with epilepsy' not 'an epileptic'. It is important to refer to people as individuals rather than categorised collectively by their disability.
|