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Considerate language
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It may be assumed that the language we use when referring to support for disabled students is a reflection of our overall attitude and approach. It is, therefore, important that we avoid language which may appear to be negative or which may cause unnecessary offence.
As language is constantly evolving this can only be a guide to what is acceptable/preferred. Generally the preferred language always describes disabled people in an active rather than a passive role. (e.g. ‘wheelchair user’ in preference to ‘wheelchair bound’). Under the social model of disability, the disabling factor may be within society (e.g. the educational establishment) rather than the person. It is, therefore, more appropriate to refer to a individual’s specific impairment (e.g. visual impairment, mobility impairment etc) rather than implying that it is their disability.
The word ‘special’ (e.g. special needs) when referring to disabled people tends to either mean extraordinary or not good enough, and is therefore viewed as patronising. Most disabled people prefer the term ‘disabled people’, rather than ‘people with disabilities,’ and therefore this is the term we recommend.
| Language to Avoid |
Preferred Language |
|---|---|
the disabled |
disabled person/people |
Handicapped |
disabled person |
special needs students |
disabled students |
able bodied |
non disabled person |
the blind |
person with a visual impairment |
the deaf |
person with a hearing impairment |
suffers from/is a victim of/is crippled by |
person who has/person with |
Epileptic/dyslexic etc. |
person with Epilepsy/Dyslexia etc. |
wheelchair bound |
wheelchair user |
With respect to examinations, the words ‘concession’ or ‘compensation’ could imply that the student has received support in order to make the examination easier. Equally, ‘accommodation’ could imply that a student is included as a special case, rather than having full inclusion. Alterations to examination arrangements are not made to give a student an advantage but to ensure that the student is not at a disadvantage. It is, therefore, important to avoid words such as ‘concessions’, ‘compensations’ and ‘accommodations’ and to use words/phrases such as ‘arrangements’, ‘adjustments’, ‘examination provisions’ instead.