Disability-specific terms

Click on the below accordion to learn about disability-specific terms.

Autism

Avoid using idioms like “take a chair” as a person with Autism may take the literal meaning and pick up the chair. Instead ask, “Would you like to sit down?”

Blind and low vision

If a person who is low vision or blind is having difficulty in finding a seat, always verbally ask the person if they require assistance before physically assisting them.
Greet people who are blind or have low vision as you approach them as they may not see you coming.
Ensure they know you are talking to them by using their name and saying yours along with your title or role.

Deaf and hard of hearing

When a person is deaf or hard of hearing, face them as they may be able to lip read, remember to talk normally and clearly.
Accompany any verbal instructions with clear physical directions.
It’s always good to have an option of written communication like a smartphone or pen and paper.

Non-verbal

Don't assume a person who is non-verbal can't communicate, they may use an alternate communication device such as an iPad or assistive text to talk technology.
They may also use other aids, such as paper and pencil, a communication book or board.

Wheelchair users

When talking to someone in a manual wheelchair, a motorised wheelchair or scooter, ask them if they would prefer you to bend down to their eye level or not – some people prefer this, some people don’t.

Intellectual disability

The key is to use simple English and take the time to be patient and prepared to ask things in a number of different ways.
Be prepared to potentially repeat and use open questions if necessary.
Don’t ask multiple questions in one.
Where possible keep information to one key point per sentence and one question at a time.