Disability-inclusive language
The language we use to communicate with and refer to persons with disabilities is constantly evolving, and that language must be inclusive, respectful, and free of bias. Please direct specific questions to Caitlin Sullivan, executive director of Student Access Services, at caitlin.sullivan@hofstra.edu.
Person-first language reinforces the concept that someone is a person first: a person with a disability; people on the autism spectrum.
Identity-first language emphasizes that a disability is an intrinsic part of a person’s identity: a disabled person; an autistic person.
The decision to use person-first or identity-first language when writing about people with disabilities or organizations that focus on people with disabilities should be made by the person or organization in question. That decision supersedes any style recommended in this guide. When preferences of an individual or group can’t be determined, try to use a mix of person-first and identity-first language.
able-bodied: Use care in deciding whether to use this term for people who don't have disabilities. If necessary to make a distinction, the terms nondisabled or people without disabilities often are preferable.
ableism: The belief that abilities of people who aren’t disabled are superior. Ableism is a concept similar to racism, sexism, and ageism in that it includes stereotypes, generalizations, and demeaning views and language. It is a form of discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities.
accessible: Use the term accessible rather than disabled or handicapped to refer to facilities: accessible parking.
autism spectrum disorder, autism: Umbrella terms for a broad range of developmental disorders that can involve widely varying degrees of intellectual, language and social difficulties, and repetitive behaviors.
Many autistic people strongly prefer identity-first language: She is autistic; he is an autistic student. Some prefer person-first language: She has autism; people with autism. Try to determine the preference. When a preference isn’t known, and in describing groups of autistic people, use identity-first language.
Do not use the term an autistic or autistics as a noun unless someone describes themself that way. Do not use ASD. Do not describe someone as being on the spectrum.
blind, limited vision, low vision/partially sighted: Blind describes a person with complete loss of sight. In addition, many people with some vision identify as blind because they feel an affinity with the blind community and are proud of their identities. Blind, along with terms such as a person/people with low vision, person/people with limited vision, person/people with vision loss, partially sighted person/people are acceptable if an individual or group uses them for themself. Try to determine a preference.
When possible, ask if a person or group uses identity-first language (blind students) or person-first language (students who are blind). If a preference can’t be determined, aim to use a mix of those approaches.
deaf, Deaf, hard of hearing: Use the lowercase form deaf for the audiological condition of total or major hearing loss and for people with total or major hearing loss, when relevant to the story. Hard of hearing can be used to describe people with a lesser degree of hearing loss. The phrase deaf and hard of hearing encompasses both groups. Do not use hearing-impaired, hearing impairment, or partially deaf unless a person uses those terms for themself.
Many deaf people who use sign language have a deeply ingrained sense of culture and community built around the experience of deafness and sign language, and use the uppercase form Deaf to signify that culture. The uppercase is acceptable, if used by the person or group, in descriptions such as the cultural Deaf community, Deaf education, Deaf culture, etc.
Do not use the uppercase form for a person; use lowercase deaf, the standard style for medical conditions: Lagier, who is deaf, said the Deaf community is a powerful force in his life.
Not all people with hearing loss use sign language or identify with the Deaf culture and community; such identification can be a deeply personal choice.
When possible, ask if a person or group uses identity-first language (deaf students) or person-first language (students who are deaf). In the United States, the National Association of the Deaf recommends identity-first language unless an individual or a group uses person-first language.
Hyphenate hard-of-hearing as a modifier: hard-of-hearing students. But: They are hard of hearing.
neurodiversity, neurodivergent, neurodiverse, neurotypical: Neurodiversity is the concept that differences in brain functioning such as autism, dyslexia, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are normal variations, with strengths and weaknesses. It is not a medical term. Individuals or groups that exhibit those variations are considered neurodivergent or neurodiverse. The larger population is said to be neurotypical. While use of these terms has become more common, to many they remain unfamiliar; they should be used only in direct quotations.
Avoid outdated, offensive words such as handicapped, as well as language that implies restriction (e.g., use an empowering term such as wheelchair user, rather than confined to a wheelchair).
Limit use of the term disorder other than in the names of specific conditions, as well as words such as impairment, abnormality, and special.
Other language or constructions not to use:
Words that suggest pity, such as afflicted with, battling, or suffers from any disability or illness, or that a person overcame their disability. Instead: has cancer, being treated for ADHD. Bear in mind that disabilities can be a combination of both challenges and assets. Generally avoid living with constructions unless a person uses that for themself.
Cliches such as inspiring and brave.
Dehumanizing mass terms such as the disabled, the blind, the mentally ill, etc. As with all writing, avoid broad generalizations, labels, and stereotypes.
Terms such as normal or typical for someone who does not have a disability. Instead: People without a disability, nondisabled.
Negative or condescending language such as wheelchair-bound or Alzheimer’s victim. Instead use accurate, neutral language such as uses a wheelchair or a person with Alzheimer’s disease.