D. Appropriate Language and Terms Describing Disabilities
It has been stated that words are a mirror of society’s attitudes and perceptions and
“[a]ttitudes can be the most difficult barrier people with disabilities face in achieving full
integration, acceptance and participation in society.”^22 It is therefore important that
lawyers strive to use appropriate language when speaking with or about people with
disabilities.
There are differing views regarding the appropriate use of language to refer to disabilities.
Certain types of language are considered appropriate by government and disability
organizations, and useful guidance may be obtained from their publications and websites.
The federal government produces a guide titled A Way with Words and Images and the
provincial government publishes a similar guide titled Word Choices.^23 Despite the
advice contained in the guides of organizations and governments, individual people with
disabilities and their families may have their own preferences.
Outdated terms may be found in older documents and among segments of the population
not familiar with current thinking about disability. There are also cultural variances as to
appropriate terminology.
See Appendix “A” for examples that can illustrate language that is, and is not,
considered to enhance the dignity of people with disabilities.
22 Canada, A Way with Words and Images: Suggestions for the Portrayal of People with Disabilities
(Ottawa: Queen’s Printer, 2006) at 1 [A Way with Words and Images].
23 A Way with Words and Images, ibid.; Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, Word Choices: A lexicon of
preferred terms for disability issues (Toronto: Ministry of Citizenship, 2002).