Inclusive language is important in fostering a community of respect for everyone. Using people’s preferred terms helps others feel seen and heard. It can also be confusing and sometimes feels like it’s changing quickly and hard to keep up. Below, you’ll find some guidelines and current terminology for inclusive language. 

General guidelines: 

• If you’re not sure, use people-first language. This means saying “person with epilepsy” instead of “an epileptic” or “people who are blind” instead of “the blind.” It’s not always bad to use terms as adjectives (“queer community” or “visually impaired person”) but if you’re unsure, go with people-first.

• Even better: ask! Individuals don’t always agree on how they’d like to be referred to, even within specific groups and communities. Not everyone will agree on the identifier they’d like to be used, and that’s okay!

• Avoid negative language like “suffers from.” It’s better to say “living with.” 

• It’s okay to use everyday language. You can say “It was nice to see you” to someone who is blind or visually-impaired. 

• It’s okay to be wrong; we are all learning. If you or someone around you makes a mistake, be kind in correcting. Getting hostile or frustrated about it can further alienate us from each other. The goal is respect, community, and inclusion!

DON’T USE

the blind

afflicted by, suffers from

cripple, invalid

able-bodied

mental patient, insane, mad

deaf and dumb; deaf-mute

an epileptic, diabetic, depressive, etc

INSTEAD USE

person with visual impairment; blind people

has (name of condition)

disabled person

non-disabled

person with a mental health condition

deaf, person with a hearing impairment

person with epilepsy, diabetes, depression, etc