Disability does not define a person.

People with disability have told us how the language we use impacts the way they feel and are perceived in society.

Event organisers, staff, volunteers, and contractors need to be aware of the words they use when talking to, referring to, or working with people with disability.

Disrespectful language can make people with disability feel hurt and excluded and create a barrier to participation.

Here are some examples of inclusive language:

• Use person first language. For example:
  • Person with disability – not disabled person
  • Person who is Deaf or a person who is hard of hearing – not hearing impaired
  • Person who is blind or a person with low vision – not vision impaired
  • Person without disability - not able-bodied or non-disabled
• Use accessible language:
  • Accessible toilet - not disabled toilet
  • Accessible parking – not disabled parking
  • Accessible seating or viewing area or no standing area - not disabled or wheelchair area
  • Continuous accessible path of travel
  • Accessible adult change facility.