Still using outdated disability terms? This guide may change that

For those living with disability, their caregivers and everyone working in the disability sector — words matter. They shape how we see ourselves and each other; they can uplift or unintentionally harm others. 

That’s why the University of Wollongong’s newly released Disability Terminology Guide is a meaningful step forward, offering practical wisdom for fostering respect and inclusion. 

Whether you’re navigating life with a disability or supporting someone who is, this guide has insights that can deepen our understanding and strengthen our communities.

The guide, launched in 2025, isn’t just a list of dos and don’ts — it’s a thoughtful tool rooted in the principle that language reflects our values. 

For people living with disabilities, it’s a reminder that your voice matters in shaping how the world talks about you.

For caregivers and professionals, it’s a call to listen and align your words with dignity and respect. Here’s what stands out and why it resonates…

Person-first, identity-first: choice matters

One of the guide’s most insightful takeaways is its emphasis on flexibility. It recognises that preferences vary — some people prefer person-first language (e.g., ‘person with disability’), to highlight their humanity beyond their condition, while others embrace identity-first language (e.g., ‘disabled person’) to claim disability as a core part of their identity. 

This isn’t about rigid rules; it’s about asking and respecting individual choices. 

For caregivers, this means starting conversations with curiosity: ‘How would you like me to describe your experience?’

For those with disabilities, it’s empowering to know your preference sets the tone.

Moving beyond outdated terms

The guide gently but firmly steers us away from terms that carry baggage. Terms like ‘handicapped’ or ‘special needs’ are flagged as outdated, often tied to pity or stigma. 

Instead, it encourages straightforward language like ‘disability’ or ‘access needs.’ 

This shift feels refreshing — it cuts through euphemisms and gets to the point. 

If you’re a caregiver, adopting these terms can signal respect and clarity. If you live with disability, seeing these changes in everyday language might feel like a small but real victory against stereotypes.

Context is everything

Another gem is the guide’s focus on context. It warns against blanket assumptions, like using ‘wheelchair-bound’ for someone who uses a wheelchair. 

The guide suggests ‘wheelchair user’ instead, which acknowledges agency and avoids framing mobility aids as limitations. 

This nuance matters; for someone using a wheelchair, it’s a reminder that your tools for independence don’t define you. 

For those in the sector, it’s a nudge to describe people’s realities accurately, not through a lens of restriction.

Why this guide hits home

What makes UOW’s guide special is its practicality. It’s not academic jargon — it’s a resource for real-world conversations, whether you’re chatting with a neighbour, advocating for workplace accommodations or training staff in a care setting. 

It encourages us to rethink phrases we’ve used on autopilot and replace them with words that honour lived experiences. 

For people with disability, this can mean feeling seen as you are, not as a label. 

For caregivers and professionals, it’s a chance to build trust through language that aligns with your commitment to support.

A call to action

This guide isn’t just for reading — it’s for using. If you live with disability, share it with your circle. Let them know what terms resonate with you.

If you’re a caregiver or in the disability sector, bring it to your team.

Practice it, because small changes in how we speak can ripple outward, creating a culture where everyone feels valued.

Language evolves and so can we; the Disability Terminology Guide from UOW reminds us that respectful communication starts with listening and learning. Let’s take it one conversation at a time, together.

With appreciation for the University of Wollongong’s commitment to inclusion.

How do you like to refer to your disability? Let the team at Talking Disability know and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

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