Ways to Use Respectful, Person-Centered Language and Treat Everyone with Dignity

    As we recognize Disability Awareness Month, we're expounding on the ideas shared in our previous post about ways to increase disability awareness and create a more inclusive community. Throughout the month, we'll be taking a closer look at each of those ideas and sharing practical ways you can put them into action. This week, we're focusing on one of the simplest yet most meaningful steps: using respectful, person-centered language to help foster dignity, inclusion, and belonging for everyone.

1. Use respectful, person-centered language

• Put the person before a condition or characteristic when appropriate (e.g., "person with diabetes" instead of "diabetic").

• Choose words that avoid stigma and promote dignity:

• Say "living with" or "experiences" instead of "suffering from" or "afflicted by."

• Say "accessible parking" instead of "handicapped parking."

• Say "uses a wheelchair" instead of "confined to a wheelchair," as mobility aids provide independence and freedom.

• Say "support requirements" or "uses alternative communication" instead of "special needs" or "non-verbal," where appropriate.

2. Focus on abilities and autonomy

• Recognize a person's strengths, abilities, and goals rather than focusing on limitations.

• Avoid language that defines someone solely by a condition or implies they are lacking.

• Respect each person's independence by asking before offering help and respecting personal boundaries.

• Support individuals in making their own decisions and allow them the dignity of taking reasonable risks and exercising choice.

3. Communicate directly and thoughtfully

• Address people by their preferred name and ask how they would like to be addressed, including their pronouns or preferred terminology if relevant.

• Speak directly to the person rather than only to a family member, caregiver, or interpreter.

• Use active listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.

• Ensure your language is clear, objective, respectful, and empowering, avoiding language that is patronizing, infantilizing, or based on pity.

• Recognize that language preferences vary. Some people prefer person-first language (e.g., "person with autism"), while others prefer identity-first language (e.g., "autistic person"). Respect each individual's preference whenever possible.

4. Treat everyone with dignity and respect

• Avoid stereotypes, assumptions, and labels based on age, disability, culture, race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics.

• Respect personal choices, beliefs, values, and cultural practices.

• Maintain privacy and confidentiality when discussing personal information.

• Be patient, courteous, and inclusive, especially if someone needs additional time or uses a different method of communication.

• If you make a mistake in the language you use, apologize briefly, correct yourself, and continue respectfully.

Using respectful, person-centered language helps create a more aware, inclusive community. As we continue recognizing Disability Awareness Month, we'll keep highlighting practical ways to turn awareness into action and share additional ways you can help support disability awareness and inclusion throughout the month.

Want to learn more? These resources provide additional information on awareness and person-centered language:

https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/articles-documents/communicating-with-and-about-people-with-disabilities.html

https://practicetransformation.umn.edu/practice-tools/person-centered-language/

https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/person-first-destigmatizing-language