Words Matter: Respectful, Inclusive Language

Small changes in how we talk can make people feel respected or pushed aside.

In 2009, Special Olympics youth leaders launched a campaign to end casual use of the “R-word,” a slur against people with intellectual disabilities. It is now called Spread the Word and focuses on building inclusive schools and communities.

Simple guidelines

• Ask people what they prefer. Many people prefer person-first language (“a person with a disability”); others, including many Deaf and autistic people, prefer identity-first language (“a Deaf person,” “an autistic person”).
• Avoid pity words such as “suffers from,” “victim of” or “confined to a wheelchair.” Say “uses a wheelchair.”
• Don’t use disability as an insult or a joke.
• Talk to the person, not to their companion, interpreter or aide.
• Describe athletes as athletes. Special Olympics athletes compete; they are not “kids” when they are adults.

Language keeps changing, and nobody gets it perfect. What matters is listening and being willing to adjust.

Part of the Boston Made Reader’s special collection Courage, Conscience & Service. Written for the Reader and free to read here.