Why Should We Use Considerate Language?
We celebrate our community by using considerate language.
“Separate the person from the disability and recognize that people with disabilities have rights, among them the right to privacy. Treat people with disabilities with respect in print and electronic communications, and avoid stereotyping by occupation or attribute. Include all people in general references by substituting nonsexual or nongender words and phrases for male-biased, exclusionary words. Respect people’s choice in pronouns. They as a singular pronoun is acceptable as a substitute for his or her. The words gender and sex have entirely different meanings. Always use the correct word. ” – UTA Editorial Guidelines
“Avoid writing that implies ableism: the belief that typical abilities—those of people who aren’t disabled—are superior. Ableism is a concept similar to racism, sexism, and ageism in that it includes stereotypes, generalizations, and demeaning views and language. It is a form of discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities.” – AP Stylebook
“… government, and non-government institutions predominantly use person-first language when referring to people with disability. This is to avoid unnecessary focus on a person’s impairment. The dehumanisation of people with disability has a long history, so we choose to preface our language with a reminder of personhood. Many people with disability, however, prefer identity-first language, which positions disability as an identity category… Some specific communities, such as Autistic and Deaf communities, may not define themselves as disabled at all. Deaf people identify as being part a cultural group with a different first language. Capital letters are used to signify an alternative cultural identity… Phrases such as ‘the disabled’ are not recommended because they reduce people to their disability… words, such as ‘handicapable’ or ‘differently-abled’ or ‘special needs’ … are ableist and condescending.” – PWDA Language Guide
Access these resources to learn more:
- UTA Editorial Guidelines
- Identity versus People-First Language
- Describing People with Disability
- What is Abelist Language?
- Avoiding Abelist Language
- Avoiding Gendered Language
- Using Personal Pronouns
- Allyship: Diversity Includes Disability
- Disability Language Style Guide from the National Center on Disability and Journalism
Why Should We Be Mindful of Directional Language?
Directional language refers to things like “above,” “at top left,” “below,” “in the upper right corner,” “click here,” et cetera.
Providing only directional language is not very considerate. Content authors should use multiple ways to point out sections of a document, website, or graphic.
Documents
Call out the names of sections, chapters, pages, options, and link to other sections when referencing them.
SiteImprove recommends saying things like:
- “As described in the chapter titled …”
- “In the following section …”
- “See page 3.”
- “Choose from these options…”
Websites
Reference the names of buttons, icons, and other elements. Don’t say, “Click the button at left.” Instead say, “Click the red button titled ‘Login’ at the top left of the screen,” and alt-tag the button.
Use anchors (bookmarks) to link to other sections of the webpage.
Create unique titles for hyperlinks. Don’t use “click here” or “read more.” Instead say, “See [name of page] to learn more” or rephrase to make the link distinct.
Graphics
Describe what the graphic represents and any key takeaways in the figure caption.
Avoid using only directional language to describe the graphic and instead call out the names of important elements.
How Can We Celebrate Diversity?
Many content authors use assets such as stock photos, free clipart or vectors, et cetera. Choose assets that represent a broad range of people.
- Use diverse representations when designing graphics related to people.
- Include diverse people in audio and video work.
- Use stock photos that celebrate diversity. (Remember to check licensing terms.)