Disability Language Guide
Disability Language Guide (Download PDF)*
There are two main ways to write about disability:
Example:
- Person-first: “A person with a disability”
- Identity-first: “A disabled person”
For many years, our organization used person-first language as our default. However, in recognition of the growing use of identity-first language within the disability community, we have shifted to a mix of both identity-first and person-first language.
The following list depicts phrases and terms that are generally considered appropriate, as well as terms and phrases to avoid. Please keep in mind that language is constantly evolving, and the best guideline when referring to people is to ask.
*Following the original publication of this guide in the Winter/Spring 2023 issue of the Disability RAPP, the DRAPP organizations decided to shift from person-first only, to a mix of person-first and identity-first language. This language guide was updated during the winter of 2024 and reflects the current practices of the DRAPP organizations.
The above material is adapted from Guidelines for Reporting and Writing about People with Disabilities by the Research and Training Center on Independent Living at The University of Kansas and the National Disability Rights Network’s Words Matter—Guidelines for Reporting and Writing About People with Disabilities. For more information visit www.rtcil.org or ndrn.org.
