Language is one of the most powerful tools we have. It shapes how we see the world—and how the world sees us. When it comes to disability, the words we choose can either reinforce stigma or challenge it. They can either empower disabled people or erase them from their own stories. That’s why talking about language and disability isn’t just a matter of being "politically correct"—it’s a matter of dignity, identity, and justice.

Why Language Matters:
Words have weight.

Think of how phrases like “confined to a wheelchair” or “suffers from autism” are often used in everyday speech or in the media. These phrases frame disability as something tragic or pitiable. But for many disabled people, their conditions are simply part of who they are—not something to be cured, overcome, or apologised for.

It’s been 27 years since I was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and in that time, the way we talk about both my condition and mental health has changed profoundly. Early on, it was seen primarily as a defect—something to fix or eliminate. That perspective shaped how medical professionals spoke to me, about me, and even how I came to understand myself. The language was clinical, sometimes cold, and often focused on what was “wrong.”

In more recent years, though, there’s been a noticeable shift. Thanks in part to better training and growing awareness around disability rights and neurodiversity, conversations in medical settings—and beyond—have started to change. There’s more emphasis on listening to lived experience, on dignity, and on language that acknowledges complexity without reducing someone to a diagnosis.

This evolution is reflected in the broader shift toward inclusive and respectful language—like “wheelchair user” or “autistic person.” These terms recognise people as agents in their own lives. They centre identity, access, and support, rather than deficit or dysfunction.

Person-First vs. Identity-First Language
You might have heard debates about “person-first” language (e.g., “person with a disability”) versus “identity-first” language (e.g., “disabled person”). Both approaches aim to show respect, but they come from different philosophies.

Person-first language emphasises the individual before the disability, aiming to remind us that disability doesn’t define someone. It’s widely used in healthcare and education.

But many disabled people—particularly in communities like the Autistic and Deaf communities—prefer identity-first language. They see disability as an inseparable part of who they are, not something separate from them.

There’s no one-size-fits-all. The best rule? Respect the terms people use to describe themselves. Ask if you’re unsure. Listen to the community, not just the professionals.

Ditch the Euphemisms
Let’s be honest: society has a real discomfort around the word disabled. That’s why we hear euphemisms like “differently abled,” “special needs,” or “handi-capable.” While often well-intentioned, these terms can be infantilising, vague, or even patronising. They skirt around disability instead of confronting ableism directly.

There is nothing shameful about being disabled. Using the term openly and confidently helps to normalize it and challenge the stigma. Disabled is not a bad word.

Reframing the Narrative
Language doesn’t just describe reality—it helps create it. When we shift our language, we also shift our understanding. For example:

• Instead of saying “wheelchair-bound,” say “wheelchair user.” The wheelchair isn’t a prison—it’s a tool for freedom and mobility.

• Instead of “suffers from,” try “lives with” or simply name the condition without emotional framing.

• Instead of “normal,” try “non-disabled” or “neurotypical.” It avoids the implication that disabled people are somehow “abnormal.”

These shifts may seem small, but they ripple outward. They influence policies, workplaces, healthcare, and media. They change how kids learn about difference. They help build a culture of respect and access.

Language Evolves—and So Should We
Language is always changing. What was acceptable ten years ago may be outdated now. And what’s considered respectful in one community might be rejected in another. That’s okay. Staying open, curious, and willing to learn is what matters most.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. And progress starts with listening to disabled people, amplifying their voices, and using language that reflects their realities, not just our assumptions.

Final Thoughts
Words can harm, or they can heal. They can exclude, or they can invite. They can diminish, or they can empower.

So let’s choose our words with care—not just to sound right, but to do right.