Disability

Writing or reporting on disability is not simply a matter of using the right terminology, though that is of course an important part. Like with inclusive language generally, it is as much about guiding principles and conventions as it is about absolute rules.
Even overarching principles and conventions change all the time, as social, political and cultural dimensions of disability evolve. Disability is also not something that is always immediately identifiable, in the sense that there are invisible disabilities, and this can present unique challenges for reporting and communication.
“Nothing About Us Without Us” has been a rallying cry in the disability rights movement for decades. Too often, disability is written about from the perspective of doctors and other experts, or parents and other caregivers. Disabled people need to be at the center of their own stories.

Here are some guiding principles and conventions to think about when writing or reporting on disability.

Prioritize the person, not the disability (e.g., "person with a disability" rather than "disabled person"). Not all people with disabilities use the same terms to describe their experience. However, some individuals may prefer identity-first language (e.g., "autistic person"), so it's important to ask and respect their preference. When in doubt, ask how someone prefers to be referred to and honor their preferences.

Do not reduce someone to their disability. Recognize that disability is just one aspect of a person's identity.

If you have any further questions about disability and accessibility, please contact AccessAbility Services by email at access@uwaterloo.ca.