Direct Support Professionals Orientation

Partnership for People with Disabilities

LANGUAGE TO AVOID

When talking with or about someone with a disability, a good rule of thumb is to use language that you would use if you were talking about yourself. Use everyday language.

Avoid jargon.

1.    Referencing the Individual

  • AVOID:Client/consumer
    • Why to Avoid:De-personalizes the individual; implies they have power to make changes or choices that may not be true in their situation.
    • USE INSTEAD:Use the person’s name or person who uses supports/services.
  • AVOID:My person or My group
    • Why to Avoid:Sounds possessive or controlling.
    • USE INSTEAD:Use the person’s name or the person I support or this group.
  • AVOID:Referring to a person as a behavior or a wheelchair (e.g., "I have 2 behaviors and 1 wheelchair in my group today")
    • Why to Avoid:Disrespectful; de-personalizes; objectifies the person by reducing them to a need or piece of equipment.
    • USE INSTEAD:Use the person’s name and, if needed, specify what supports he/she needs.
  • AVOID:Non-verbal person
    • Why to Avoid:Disrespectful; not person-first language.
    • USE INSTEAD:Person who doesn’t use words to communicate.

2.    Describing Actions and Activities

  • AVOID:Let or allow
    • Why to Avoid:Controlling; implies power over the individual.
    • USE INSTEAD:Assisted or supported.
  • AVOID:Transported
    • Why to Avoid:Objectifies the person.
    • USE INSTEAD:Gave a ride or provided transportation for.
  • AVOID:I bathed John or I dressed John or did hygiene
    • Why to Avoid:Implies you are doing something to the person, not that they are a participant.
    • USE INSTEAD:I assisted John with bathing or I supported John to get dressed.
  • AVOID:Toileting or toileted
    • Why to Avoid:Not common language; objectifies.
    • USE INSTEAD:Person used the bathroom/restroom or I supported John to use the restroom.
  • AVOID:Place someone (e.g., "I placed John at Henderson home")
    • Why to Avoid:Disrespectful; not common language.
    • USE INSTEAD:John moved to Henderson home.
  • AVOID:Outing, venture, out in the community
    • Why to Avoid:Not common language; leaves the person out of the natural activity.
    • USE INSTEAD:We went to the park, the movies, etc. (using common language to describe the activity).
  • AVOID:Training (when referring to skill building)
    • Why to Avoid:Not common language; de-personalizes the process.
    • USE INSTEAD:Teach, support.
  • AVOID:I did a plan on somebody
    • Why to Avoid:De-personalizes; objectifies.
    • USE INSTEAD:I supported John in developing his plan.

3.    Describing Status and Behavior

  • AVOID:Functioning level
    • Why to Avoid:
    • USE INSTEAD:How is John? (or another respectful, open-ended question).
  • AVOID:Refused or non-compliant
    • Why to Avoid:Disrespectful or controlling.
    • USE INSTEAD:Chose not to or decided not to.