You might have noticed in this story that I used the phrase “people with disabilities” a lot instead of using things we’re used to seeing or hearing more often like “handicapped” or “disabled.” You’ve ...

Many people have intersecting identities and may choose not to share all of those identities in your communications. When possible, it is strongly recommended that you ask people how they prefer to be ...

I have never known an editor who exclusively writes standards to be even mildly progressive. In my experience, standards editors in legacy media tend to be so married to process, and formality, and ...

People are often surprised when I call myself "disabled." Over the years, society has shifted toward person-first language (i.e. person with a disability) to describe disability. However, many people ...

It’s important to look at the intent and context behind usage. Identity-first language can be negative if it’s not accompanied by empathy or respect. For years, the autism community has grappled with ...

In the past, the National Center on Disability and Journalism’s disability language style guide prioritized the use of person-first language — advising language like “person with a disability,” for ...

Each October, Miami is excited to celebrate Disability Identity and Culture Month, stemming from the nationally recognized Disability Employment Awareness Month. Miami uses this time to highlight ...

Toby Wong is a late-deafened board director & marketer breaking barriers. Supports Gold House, Collective Visibility & Disability Belongs. deaf female business executive using a cochlear implant ...

Conversations surrounding disability language, especially with non-disabled people, usually focus on what is right and wrong in the name of politeness and sensitivity. Sure, there are definite dos and ...

In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet famously asks, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” She wonders how the name someone has can define them, ...

Disability can be difficult to talk about sensitively because of how embedded ableism is in our language, biases and perceptions of disability. Conversations about disability are slowly increasing, ...