Ahead of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on 3 December, we wanted to highlight some of the ways we can all improve how we talk about disability.<\/p>\n
But first, what is a disability?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Disability\u2019 is a bit of a catch-all term! When we use \u2018disability\u2019, we might be referring to:<\/p>\n A \u2018disability\u2019 might be physical, mental, developmental, neurological, intellectual, brain-based, or sensory. \u2018Disability\u2019 might be visible to other people (meaning that other people can see the disability) or hidden (meaning that the disability might not be outwardly apparent). The impacts of a disability might vary day-by-day (this is a \u2018dynamic disability\u2019) or be much the same every day (\u2018static disability\u2019).<\/p>\n How people experience disability varies. Almost one in six Australians have a disability.It\u2019s likely that you\u2019ll know, study with, work with, live with, or love someone with a disability. You might even have a disability yourself.<\/p>\n Our words have a lot of power. When we use inclusive and respectful language to talk about disability, we help create a more inclusive environment \u2013 where everyone is included and, as a result, can thrive.<\/p>\n 1. See strengths, not deficits: <\/strong>Strengths-based language focuses on what people can <\/em>do, not what they can\u2019t. For example: instead of \u2018Sam can\u2019t take meeting minutes because of his disability\u2019, recognise Sam\u2019s strengths: \u2018Sam can take the minutes using JAWS.\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>Approach conversations with positive intention: <\/strong>We might feel nervous or scared when talking about disability. When talking about disability, approach conversations with a positive intention. Think of the conversation as a chance to learn. Ask yourself, how can I speak clearly to help other people understand what I\u2019m saying? <\/strong><\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>Not diff-abled, handy-abled or determined: <\/strong>When we substitute made-up words for \u2018disability\u2019 (like \u2018diff-abled\u2019), we\u2019re implying that \u2018disability\u2019 is a bad word or shameful. In Australia, \u2018people with disability\u2019 is normally used \u2013 but if talking to someone with a disability, it\u2019s good practice to just ask how they would prefer you to refer to (or not refer to) their disability.<\/p>\n 4. Ask \u2013 don\u2019t interrogate: <\/strong>Ask questions respectfully. If someone tells you they have a disability, it\u2019s okay to ask: \u2018How can I support you?\u2019 or \u2018What would you like me to know about your disability so I can best support you?\u2019 Avoid invasive and disrespectful questions like, \u2018What is your disability?\u2019 or \u2018What\u2019s wrong with you?\u2019<\/p>\n 5. Find your grey language \u2013 and fix it<\/strong>: \u2018Grey language\u2019 is an unofficial term which refers to unclear or cluttered language. If talking about accessibility, use clear language to indicate what disability you\u2019re accessible to, and how <\/em>you\u2019re accessible. For example: \u2018Wheelchair accessible front entrance ramp.\u2019 Similarly, if talking about inclusion, clarify what disability you\u2019re inclusive of, and how so. For example: \u2018Our social club has a sensory room that contains beanbags and sensory beads, which can be used by anyone with a neurodiversity or sensory condition.\u2019 <\/p>\n Talking about disability doesn\u2019t have to be hard! Over the next few months, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Team will be helping you to understand your language. Help us as we work to create a more inclusive Deakin, one word at a time. You can keep up to date on SharePoint<\/a>. <\/p>\n Want to test your disability knowledge? Head to Interacty for a quick game of Match the Disability Symbol<\/a>, test your disability vocabulary knowledge at KnoWord<\/a>, or check out James Bond\u2019s visit to Love on the Spectrum<\/em> <\/a>to learn more about tone and meaning. <\/p>\n Featured image credit: Photo by Cliff Booth<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ahead of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on 3 December, we wanted to highlight some of the ways we can all improve how we talk about disability. But first, what is a disability? \u2018Disability\u2019 is a bit of a catch-all term! 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Our words make our world more inclusive<\/h3>\n
How to improve talking about disability<\/h3>\n
We\u2019re here to help! <\/h3>\n
What next? <\/h3>\n