What this helps you understand
This article helps you work with disabled people and people with disabilities in a respectful, practical, and confident way.
It covers language, expectations, questions, and assumptions.
Why this matters
Respectful collaboration starts with listening to people’s preferences and treating them as individuals.
People with the same disability may have different needs, skills, preferences, and experiences.
When to use this guidance
Use this guidance when you are:
- Working with a disabled colleague, tester, participant, or customer
- Preparing for accessibility research
- Writing participant communications
- Facilitating meetings or interviews
- Reviewing inclusive language
Recommended approach
Start with respect, not assumptions.
Use the language people use for themselves. Ask when you are unsure. Set the same quality expectations you would for anyone else, while supporting accommodations when needed.
Best practices
Use the labels people use for themselves
What to do:
Use the language a person uses to describe themselves. Ask when you are not sure.
Why it matters:
Terms can mean different things. For example, blind, legally blind, and visually impaired can describe different levels of vision and different needs.
Example:
Ask, “What language would you like me to use?” instead of assuming.
Set respectful and equal expectations
What to do:
Expect high-quality work while supporting needed accommodations.
Why it matters:
Pity and condescension can make it harder for disabled people to access meaningful work and collaboration.
Example:
A colleague may use magnification, a screen reader, a wheelchair, a sighted guide, or an interpreter. That does not change the value of their work.
Do not over-focus on perfect wording
What to do:
Use respectful language, but do not become so nervous that you avoid normal conversation.
Why it matters:
Many blind people use phrases like “watched a movie.” Many wheelchair users are not offended by everyday references to standing or walking.
Example:
If you say something that causes harm, apologize briefly, listen, and move forward.
Ask questions with care
What to do:
Ask relevant questions and listen to the answer.
Why it matters:
Questions can support better collaboration. At the same time, people may not always have the time or energy to explain in detail.
Example:
Ask, “Is there anything I can do to make this meeting work better for you?”
Treat each person as an individual
What to do:
Do not assume that people with the same disability have the same needs or comfort levels.
Why it matters:
Skills and preferences vary based on many factors, including training, experience, and context.
Example:
One blind person may feel comfortable travelling independently to a new location. Another may prefer more planning or support.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid: Assuming the right label for someone’s disability.
Why: You may use language that does not match their identity or experience.
Do this instead: Ask what language they prefer.
Avoid: Lowering expectations because someone has a disability.
Why: This can be condescending and limiting.
Do this instead: Support accommodations and keep expectations clear.
Avoid: Treating one person as representative of everyone with the same disability.
Why: People have different skills, preferences, and access needs.
Do this instead: Ask each person what works for them.
Examples
Use respectful, direct questions:
- “What language do you prefer?”
- “Would any accommodations make this meeting easier?”
- “Would you like me to describe what is on screen?”
- “Is this pace working for you?”
What to do next
Before your next meeting, interview, or research session, review your plan for assumptions. Make sure the experience gives people room to share what they need.