Asa Hems is the Access Advisor for CAE’s Access and Sustainability Advice Service (ASAS), which provides free advice to voluntary and community groups based in London on how to make their premises more accessible to everyone, including disabled and older people. Here Asa looks at how learning about inclusive language and communication is essential to ensuring content respects, empowers and includes everyone.
The longer I’ve worked with charities and community organisations, the more I’ve realised how powerful language really is. The words we use to talk about disability don’t just describe things; they shape how people think, feel, and act.
For me, language isn’t just a tool for communication; it’s a reflection of respect, inclusion, and belonging. When we get it right, it helps build trust and genuine connection. When we don’t, it can create distance even when that’s not the intention.
As a wheelchair user, I’ve seen first-hand how the way people talk about disability can affect how we’re perceived and included. The words we choose matter because they influence not only attitudes, but access and opportunity, too.
Identity-first language
There’s often discussion about whether to say, “person with a disability” or “disabled person.” In the UK, the preferred term is “disabled people.”
This follows the social model of disability, which recognises that people are disabled not by their impairments, but by the barriers society creates, including inaccessible buildings and negative attitudes. That understanding is important to me because it shifts the focus away from the idea that disabled people have something “wrong” with them and towards what needs to change in society.
Some individuals may prefer person-first language, and that’s absolutely valid. The most respectful thing we can do is ask people how they wish to be described. But overall, I use and encourage others to use “disabled people” because it aligns with the UK’s social model and the way many of us identify.
Discard outdated terms
There are still phrases that make me uncomfortable when I hear them, such as “handicapped”, “suffers from”, “wheelchair bound”. These might seem harmless to some, but they carry assumptions that disability is something tragic or limiting.
I prefer “wheelchair user” because it describes what’s true: I use my wheelchair to get around. It’s enabling, not confining. That’s a big difference in perspective.
Choosing language that focuses on autonomy, equality, and dignity helps change the narrative from pity to empowerment.
More than just words
Inclusive communication goes far beyond vocabulary. Creating content that’s accessible so that it can reach and include everyone is a huge part of it. That means things like:
- Adding alt text for images
- Using clear colour contrast
- Offering documents in accessible formats
- Involving disabled people directly in content creation and decision-making.
Representation matters. When disabled people are included and visible, communication becomes more authentic and meaningful.
Culture of respect
Language evolves, and so should we. I’ve seen the most progress when organisations stay open, keep learning, and aren’t afraid to get it wrong sometimes – as long as they’re willing to listen and improve.
Encouraging colleagues to challenge ableist language, attend disability awareness training, and collaborate with disabled-led organisations helps create a culture where respect and inclusion come naturally.
Ultimately, using inclusive language isn’t about being “politically correct.” It’s about recognising people’s experiences and showing respect through the words that we choose.
Further reading and resources
If you’d like to learn more about inclusive language and communication, take a look at the links below.
- Scope UK – Language and Disability Guide
- Disability Rights UK – Inclusive Communications
- BBC – Talk Disability
- NCVO – Inclusive Language in the Charity Sector
- Inclusive Communication Hub
Interested to know more about ASAS? Head to our webpage for more information. Please email Asa via asas@cae.org.uk if you would like attend one of ASAS’s free training sessions to learn about inclusive design and making environments accessible.