Lifelong support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Find Information and Resources for People with IDD
- Disability Organization
Minnesota Disability Advocacy
Organization | The Arc MN
- Disability Support In MN
Supporting Families Across
Minnesota
- Disability
Disability Advocacy in
Minnesota.-Learn About Us Today.
- 3 Minneapolis Locations
Convenient Donation Drive Through
Drop Off Today
- Learn more
The Arc Minnesota
We're here for you
- Blog
Read Our Blog
For More Information.
- Disability Organization
Search results
Oct 30, 2023 · Our events explore societal, cultural, ethical, social justice, and legal themes in many ways, on many stages. Read about our signature events—Conversations, Film Series, Trials & Error, and more—and then come see them for yourself!
Apr 19, 2012 · FOLCS Conversations feature illustrious speakers, ranging from politicians, civic leaders, and activists, to writers, artists, and philosophers. They join us to discuss the big ideas of the day, the politics of our time, and the themes that shape and reshape our cultural landscape.
- 1. Language guidelines
- 2. Words to use and avoid
- 3. Some tips on behaviour
1.1 Collective terms and labels
The word ‘disabled’ is a description not a group of people. Use ‘disabled people’ not ‘the disabled’ as the collective term. However, many deaf people whose first language is BSL consider themselves part of ‘the deaf community’ – they may describe themselves as ‘Deaf’, with a capital D, to emphasise their deaf identity. Avoid medical labels. They say little about people as individuals and tend to reinforce stereotypes of disabled people as ‘patients’ or unwell. Don’t automatically refer to ‘disabled people’ in all communications – many people who need disability benefits and services don’t identify with this term. Consider using ‘people with health conditions or impairments’ if it seems more appropriate.
1.2 Positive not negative
Avoid phrases like ‘suffers from’ which suggest discomfort, constant pain and a sense of hopelessness. Wheelchair users may not view themselves as ‘confined to’ a wheelchair – try thinking of it as a mobility aid instead.
1.3 Everyday phrases
Most disabled people are comfortable with the words used to describe daily living. People who use wheelchairs ‘go for walks’ and people with visual impairments may be very pleased – or not – ‘to see you’. An impairment may just mean that some things are done in a different way. Common phrases that may associate impairments with negative things should be avoided, for example ‘deaf to our pleas’ or ‘blind drunk’.
Avoid passive, victim words. Use language that respects disabled people as active individuals with control over their own lives.
•use a normal tone of voice, don’t patronise or talk down
•don’t be too precious or too politically correct – being super-sensitive to the right and wrong language and depictions will stop you doing anything
•never attempt to speak or finish a sentence for the person you are talking to
•address disabled people in the same way as you talk to everyone else
•speak directly to a disabled person, even if they have an interpreter or companion with them
Back to top
FOLCS provides an unmatched perspective on culture, politics, and current affairs. Our events represent New York culture at its finest, reminiscent of a bygone era of intelligent and entertaining conversation, with an engaged audience eager to discuss, debate, and dissect the big ideas of our day.
Jul 29, 2022 · In this post, let’s explore a few (not all) of the most common disability-inclusive language mistakes and how you can use language that lifts and includes everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding language surrounding disability. However, some general guidelines can be helpful.
To ensure persons with disabilities are accurately por-trayed and can access information and com-munications on an equal basis with others, we must adopt an approach to disability-inclusive...
People also ask
How can a person with disabilities access information and com-munications?
How do you talk to a disabled person?
What language should I use if I have a disability?
How can people with disabilities contribute to communication?
Should you use 'disabled people' in your communications?
How can we communicate in a disability-inclusive manner?
This information pack was designed to help staff, self advocates, families and friends to make communication better. The aim is to help people who are working in a person centred way, to better understand the communication styles of self advocates.
