Language of disability: which words or expression should or shouldn’t be used?

In this page you will find English guidelines, but similar expressions may occur in all languages. So pleas feel free to translate them into your mother tongue with the most appropriate words. We envision a world where every person with disability is enabled to develop their full potential.

Cover page of a publication titled 'Language of disability: Which words and expressions should (or shouldn’t) be used?' by AINCP.
A health and safety guide on how to refer to people with disabilities, emphasizing to say 'Person with epilepsy' instead of 'Epilectic', with a colorful logo at the bottom.
Motivational quote emphasizing abilities over limitations, with a colorful logo at the bottom.
A quote emphasizing accessibility over disability, encouraging saying 'Accessible parking' instead of 'Handicapped parking.' The image features an abstract yellow graphic at the top and a logo with a multicolored tree of life at the bottom.
Quote emphasizing the importance of portraying successful people with disabilities in a balanced way, avoiding heroism orSuperhuman expectations, with the logo of AINCP at the bottom.
A sign with a message against using condescending euphemisms for terms like differently-abled, challenged, hand-capable, or special. The sign includes the AINCP logo at the bottom.
A positive message about describing people with disabilities. The text emphasizes not to use negative stereotypes and instead say "she is without disabilities" rather than "she is normal." The background is yellow with blue text and a small logo of a

Basic facts to know

A sign defining disability as the experience of any physical or cognitive health condition and its impact on the person's ability to interact with the environment and carry out daily activities, with the AIINCP logo at the bottom.
A text-based graphic explaining ableism as a form of discrimination against individuals with disabilities, highlighting how societal interpretations shape beliefs and create barriers to community participation. The graphic features a colorful, geometric background and the logo of the AINCP at the bottom.