How we talk about wheelchair users: the 'why' behind our words

Language is powerful. It’s the tool we use to communicate with others and express ourselves. Words shape the world. They can bring us together and drive us apart. This makes how we talk and write about disability important. We can create connections and understand each other more deeply with inclusive language.

Worrying about words

We know words matter. So we worry about which ones we use. Many feel anxious about getting it wrong. Googling for “what not to say to disabled people” is a popular search. The charity Scope found that two-thirds of Brits say they feel awkward talking to disabled people, partly for this reason. At Whizz Kidz, we want everyone to feel welcome to join the conversation with young wheelchair users. Here’s our guide to using respectful and inclusive language for clearer communication because we want the only cringe to come from trying to use the latest slang, not your choice of words.

Language is constantly evolving. Some words that used to be acceptable are no longer okay. “Handicapped,” for example, was a widely used term for disabled until the 1980s and 90s when thinking shifted and the social model of disability was developed.

What is the social model of disability?

The social model of disability is a way of thinking about the world developed by disabled people. It says that disabled people are disabled by society’s structures, not by their impairment or difference. These structures can be physical barriers, like a building without a ramp or accessible toilets, or attitudes that see disability as a problem rather than a difference. 

The social model helps us see how society creates barriers that make life more difficult for disabled people. By removing these barriers, we can achieve more equality. Some people don’t use the social model. How you see your impairment is a personal choice.

Inclusive language is not about following rules

Following a strict set of regulations and worrying if you get anything wrong is not very incuIsive. Remember that not everyone agrees on what words to use. Rules are rigid, and language is flexible. So we think it’s better to follow some principles and try to understand and respect the choices of others. 

First, you need to listen

So, how do we start talking about disability? The first thing to remember is that you need to listen to disabled people - starting with the disabled person in front of you. They will tell which words they are comfortable with. Listening is the most essential part of communication. It’s important to centre the person you are talking to so you can respect their language choices. At Whizz Kidz, we believe everyone has the right to describe themselves.

Say the word

One way of using language that isn’t helpful is to use euphemisms and words to lessen disability. Phrases like “differently abled”. As inclusive language expert Ettie Bailey-King says: “Euphemisms sugar-coat ideas that we think are shameful. But there’s nothing wrong with disability. Disability is not a dirty word. You can #SayTheWord.” The #SayTheWord hashtag was created by Lawrence Carter-Long to bring awareness to the word "disabled" and to encourage everyone to use it.

The difference between person-first and identity-first language

The two main ways to talk about disability are person-first (or people-first) language and identity-first language. This is how they are different:

Person-first language

I’m a person with disabilities.
Amir is a person who uses a wheelchair.
They have autism.

Identity-first language

I’m disabled.
Amir is a wheelchair user.
They are autistic.

How do you decide which one to use?

Ask which one the person you are talking to or writing about prefers. There are strong regional preferences, though. Person-first language is used in countries including the United States, Australia, South Africa and the Netherlands. Identity-first language is more widely used in the UK and worldwide with autistic, blind and Deaf/deaf people.

Why do people use person-first language?

People who use person-first language like “person with a disability” say it shows:
You are a person first, followed by your disability.
Your disability doesn’t define you.
A disability is something you “have”, not something you “are”.

Why do people use identity-first language?

People who use identity-first language like “disabled person” say it shows:
How important your disability is to who you are.
You can’t separate your disability from your identity.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of or to separate from.
Disabled is something you “are”, not something you “have”.

We agree that both approaches are entirely valid. Whizz Kidz uses identity-first language because many disabled people and organisations that represent them in the UK strongly prefer this language. 

How we speak about disability at Whizz Kidz

Our language at Whizz Kidz reflects our vision of a society where every young wheelchair user is mobile, enabled, and included. We aim to be positive and welcoming and use words that include people in our conversations around disability. Here's how we do that:

Use positive, accurate language

We do not use:
“wheelchair bound”,
“confined to a wheelchair”,
or say someone is “in a wheelchair”. 

Phrases like “wheelchair-bound” or “confined to a wheelchair” are harmful and inaccurate. They describe people only in relation to a piece of mobility equipment. They are misleading because, at Whizz Kidz, we know that wheelchairs can liberate people. They can give freedom, not cause restriction. The terms are wrong, too, because people are not confined to their wheelchairs but transfer in and out to sleep, drive, sit in chairs, and walk, depending on their disability.

Avoid negative terms 

We don't use:
"Suffers from"
"Victim of"
"Afflicted with"
"Survivor of"
These negative terms all start from the patronising view that the disabled person is suffering or is a victim of their condition or has a reduced quality of life. Instead, we recommend using clear language and stating the facts of each person’s life rather than trying to invoke pity.

Wheelchair user

Whizz Kidz uses wheelchair user and young wheelchair user, not “person who uses a wheelchair” or "child in a wheelchair".
Sometimes, wheelchair users are referred to as “wheelchairs.” Instead, we would say, “Wheelchair users need to use the front door,” not “wheelchairs need to use the front door.” 

Other language for wheelchair use

Some people get uncomfortable using everyday phrases around disabled people. Most wheelchair users don’t mind being asked if they would like to “go for a walk” or if they are “running the marathon”. 

There are alternatives. The charity Sustrans uses “wheeling,” alongside walking and cycling, after consulting with charities led by disabled people. It's best to ask if you're unsure.

Avoid using disability-related terms as insults

As the United Nations Disability Inclusion Guidelines suggest, avoid using disability-related terms as an insult. The word “lame”, for example, should not be used to mean “something is uncool or boring”. 

Understanding the difference between preferences and unacceptable words

While there are differences of opinion around language, some terms are unacceptable and offensive to many, like "handicapped", "invalid" and "cripple". The only exception would be for terms like “crip”, which have been reclaimed by some disabled people. This is a personal choice in their self-expression and not a term for non-disabled people to use.

Non-apparent disability

We try to use “non-apparent disability” rather than “hidden disability” or “invisible disability”. 

Hidden could suggest someone is not disclosing their disability – which is their choice. “Invisible disability” could sound like the person cannot be seen. However, some disabled people feel comfortable using this language to describe themselves, so it’s best to check.

Non-disabled people

When we describe people without disabilities, we don't use terms like "normal", "healthy" or "able-bodied". We use non-disabled. This is more accurate because someone might have non-apparent disabilities. Able-bodied suggests that disabled bodies aren't able and that disabled people aren't able to do things. 

Get involved in the conversation

Language is always changing. We’d love you to join the conversation and tell us what language works for you. Follow us on social media to have your say, or send an email to CommsTeam@whizz-kidz.org.uk.