Congregational Resource

Disability Language Guide

using language to show respect

Language Matters

Language is varied and fluid, and the appropriate terms used by and to describe people with disabilities and mental illness change often as the advocacy community learns and grows. Using the preferred language of people with disabilities and mental illness reflects a respect and care for their humanity. This language guide offers a way to refer to people with disabilities that is respectful and kind.

scrabble tiles spell out "Disability is Beautiful"
This Resource offers

Preferred Language for the Disability Community

  • General guidelines about terminology
  • Offensive terms and their alternatives
  • Sources for further research