Ability

There is no definitive solution to describing disability, as different people have different preferences, and those preferences can change over time. Above all, you should refer to people using the terms that they prefer.

More generally, the ASG supports the use of person-first language, because it is respectful and means that individuals are not defined by their disability.

Person-first language

Put the person before their disability and don't use ‘the disabled’

Contemporary writing should put the person first before any detail about their experience or ability. This way, they are not defined by a disability. Also avoid language that constructs someone's experience negatively.

Common examples of person-first references include:

Phrases to use	Phrases to avoid
person with disability	disabled person person with special needs
people with lived experience of disability [which can include carers]	people of all abilities
person who is blind	blind person
John uses a wheelchair John is a wheelchair user	John is wheelchair-bound John is confined to a wheelchair
Bianca has epilepsy	Bianca suffers from epilepsy
accessible toilet	disabled toilet
person without disability	able-bodied person non-disabled person

At the same time, people will have individual preferences about how to refer to them. Use their preferred form where you know what that is.

Euphemisms

Avoid euphemisms such as ‘disAbility’ or ‘differently abled’

Often, well-intended terms can emerge to describe ability that also risk being patronising. Avoid terms such as ‘disAbility’, ‘differently abled’ and ‘diffAbled’. And take care not to imply that people are inspirational or courageous simply because they are living with disability.