How do I describe disability?

Pluss tries to always treat everyone with respect; to address every individual in a way that they choose.

We also acknowledge that every one is different - what is acceptable for some, at different points in time, is unnacceptable for others.

However, there are some basic principles, when it comes to disability, that are really good to follow (its common sense really!).....

Here goes:

General good practice

1. The words we use about disability have a real impact on the way disability is perceived. Pluss strongly believes that language should be positive not negative, and should never be offensive.

2. Tone is also important. Disabled people are not victims or braver than people without disabilities. Patronising or sentimental words are not necessary.

3. Every individual will have their own ideas about how they would like to be addressed. For example, some people prefer the term 'people with disabilities' to 'disabled people'. Pluss always think it is best to ask the indivudual themselves!

4. Best to avoid referring to 'The' disabled - Pluss believes this lumps people together without acknowledging individuality.

5. People are not a condition - to refer to someone as ' a learning dis' or a 'visual imp' is a label. Surely it is more respectful to say 'a person with a learning disbility or visual impairment?!

6. Avoid saying 'handicapped' - It is an outdated word and does not protray a postitive image.

7. Do not say spastic - Again - incredibly outdated! Sadly, I am sure we can all recall times when this has been used as an unpleasant and vicious form of abuse. Dont use it!

8. Avoid saying 'normal' to describe non-disabled people - this implies that disabled people aren't normal.

9. Avoid saying 'wheelchair bound'  - very disempowering! Someone simply uses a wheelchair to get out and about - use the term 'Wheelchair user'

10. Avoid saying 'Able bodied' - read our page on 'What is disability'! Is Paula Radcliffe able-bodied? (Yes....and she has a disability!)