Public and Commercial Services Union

Disability etiquette is an important skill in the modern workplace.

Although often dismissed as 'political correctness', getting the language right when talking about disability is extremely important.

Using the right language shows that you have some understanding of the issue; and wrong language can turn people away from the message that you are trying to convey.

Language is not universal

Language is not universal and some people may not feel comfortable with terms used in this guide.

If you want to know what language to use with a particular disabled person it is always better to ask them directly.

Actions speak louder than words

Equally, it is vital that concerns about language do not overshadow our work in tackling disability discrimination - most people will look at the intent behind the words and be tolerant of the occasional error, if we seek to do better next time.

'Disabled people'

PCS uses the term "disabled people" rather than "people with disabilities" because it is based on the idea that disability stems from the barriers disabled people face on a day-to-day basis - prejudice, negative stereotyping, lack of accessible transport, housing and information and a lack of understanding of the needs and rights of disabled people.

Avoid words and phrases that de-personalise disabled people: e.g. 'the blind, the deaf, the disabled' - and those that have come to be seen as terms of prejudice: 'handicapped, crippled, spastic' etc.

People are not victims

Don't talk about people as victims or as 'suffering from' but simply state the fact that they are someone with or who has a particular impairment.

Avoid phrases such as 'confined to a wheelchair' or 'wheelchair-bound' which reflect restrictions, rather talk of wheelchair users.

Someone once said that a disabled toilet was no good to anyone - what they needed was an accessible toilet.

Think about how the word 'disabled' can be mis-used to describe facilities provided for only a proportion of disabled people, such as 'disabled parking': use the right descriptions, e.g. accessible parking, or parking for those with mobility impairments.

And remember - someone who is not a disabled person is a non-disabled person; not 'able-bodied', 'normal' or 'healthy'.