How do we talk about disability?
Talk about disability clearly, respectfully, and with confidence.
What this helps you understand
Disability can feel like a sensitive topic. Some people avoid talking about it because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing.
This article explains common disability language, the difference between medical and social models of disability, and why inclusive design matters.
Why this matters
Respectful language helps people talk about access needs clearly.
Avoiding the word disability can make the topic feel shameful or uncomfortable. Clear language supports better conversations, better research, and better design decisions.
When to use this guidance
Use this guidance when you are:
- Writing about disability
- Speaking with disabled people or people with disabilities
- Preparing research or customer communications
- Reviewing inclusive language
- Explaining accessibility to your team
Recommended approach
Use clear, respectful language.
Say “disabled person” or “person with a disability” unless someone tells you they prefer different language. Avoid euphemisms that make disability sound like something to hide.
Best practices
Use direct disability language
What to do:
Use “disabled person” or “person with a disability” when speaking generally.
Why it matters:
Both terms are commonly used. Some people prefer identity-first language, while others prefer person-first language.
Example:
Use “people with disabilities” or “disabled people” instead of “differently abled.”
Avoid euphemisms
What to do:
Avoid terms like “differently abled” or “diverse ability.”
Why it matters:
These terms can suggest that disability is not something people should name directly.
Example:
Say “person with a disability” instead of “person with diverse abilities.”
Understand ableism
What to do:
Recognize ableism as prejudice or discrimination against disabled people.
Why it matters:
Ableism can show up in physical spaces, digital spaces, policies, and everyday assumptions.
Example:
A website that creates barriers for people with disabilities can exclude users, even when exclusion was not the intent.
Understand the medical model
What to do:
Know that the medical model frames disability as a problem within the person.
Why it matters:
This model can lead to approaches focused on cure, rehabilitation, or dependency.
Example:
A medical-model approach may focus on what a person cannot do instead of what barriers should change.
Understand the social model
What to do:
Know that the social model frames disability as the result of barriers created by society and the environment.
Why it matters:
This model supports removing barriers, improving access, and treating disabled people as experts in their own experiences.
Example:
A social-model approach asks how a product, service, or environment can change so more people can use it.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid: Avoiding the word disability.
Why: It can make disability sound negative or shameful.
Do this instead: Use clear, respectful language.
Avoid: Assuming one language preference applies to everyone.
Why: Disabled people have different preferences.
Do this instead: Ask when you are speaking with an individual.
Avoid: Treating accessibility as an add-on.
Why: Inclusive design works best when it is part of the design process.
Do this instead: Design with everyone in mind from the start.
Examples
Use:
- “Disabled people”
- “People with disabilities”
- “Accessible design”
- “Inclusive design”
Avoid:
- “Differently abled”
- “Diverse ability”
- Language that suggests disability is something to hide
What to do next
Review your customer-facing content for euphemisms, assumptions, and unclear wording. Replace them with direct, respectful language.