Positive and Appropriate Terminology

Jennifer Trust Information Leaflet N° 001.

The words that we use to describe the people and things around us work on a variety of levels. Words are used to not only describe, but also to quantify what we think. It is possible for us to give a positive or negative impression using words. Words are the most prevalent form of communication used in society, therefore the words that are used to describe a person or object can ultimately affect the way society views that particular object or person.

An example of this could be:

"A crowd of young people gathered to listen to the new minister for employment."

This seems to suggest an interest and willingness to take part in issues that directly affect them.

An alternative could be:

"A gang of young people gathered to listen to the new minister for employment."

By changing one word the sentence changes from a positive to a negative, therefore colouring the way society views this group of young people.

If you then change 'young people' to 'youths' the affect is even more dramatic.

"A gang of youths gathered to listen to the minister for employment."

If you replace 'to listen to' with 'around' the results are positively threatening:

"A gang of youths gathered around the minister for employment."

It is therefore important to use appropriate terminology in order to not create or reinforce an inaccurate or unbalanced portrayal of individuals that make up society.

This situation is equally true when describing a person with a disability. Firstly do you need to refer to a person as a disabled person, contextually is there a reason to categorise a person in that way at all? If there is a reason then make sure that the terminology in use is appropriate, accurate and does not cause offence. If you accept that the words you use represent the way you view things, colours the way society sees things, then you must accept that is important to use and encourage a terminology that is appropriate and positive.

Below is a brief list of positive and negative terminology commonly used in conjunction with people affected by disability; it is really a matter of common sense and an open outlook.

Negative Positive

Sufferer
Victim Affected by
Living with

Illness Condition

Handicapped
Crippled
Invalid Disabled person
Person with a disability
Person with an impairment

Confined to wheelchair
Wheelchair bound Wheelchair user

Whilst this is not an exhaustive list we hope that it is a starting point, not for a library of language, but to begin to introduce a philosophy.

If we as individuals can give thought to the terminology that we use to describe other people, then perhaps we as a society can recognise that we are all affected by the human condition, whether we are 17 years old, use a wheelchair or have blue hair. If we treat each other with consideration and respect, then we too can hope to receive consideration and respect. Recognising the value of the individual for their individuality is after all what makes for a diverse and interesting society.

This information sheet has been developed in conjunction with Health & Social care practitioners, parents of and individuals affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

< Back | Index | Next >

Negative		Positive
Sufferer Victim		Affected by Living with
Illness		Condition
Handicapped Crippled Invalid		Disabled person Person with a disability Person with an impairment
Confined to wheelchair Wheelchair bound		Wheelchair user