Language Matters: Tips for Inclusive Communication
Language is an incredibly important part of accessibility. Not only does it ensure we communicate information in ways everyone can understand, but it frames how we think about important issues, and makes our spaces safer or less safe. Below, we’ve rounded up resources that share some of the evolving perspectives on inclusive language, alongside tips and tricks for making communication more accessible overall.
Content warning: Some of these resources mention outdated or offensive terms for illustrative purposes.
Ableism/Language: Glossary of Ableist Phrases
The Ableism/Language glossary features potentially ableist terms, ranging from slurs, to expressions that can perpetuate bias against disabled people. It also includes suggested alternatives.
Resource by: Lydia X. Z. Brown
APA’s Inclusive Language Guide
APA’s Inclusive Language Guide (second edition) supports the use of culturally-sensitive terms and phrases, as well as explaining the origins of outdated terms and offering more suitable alternatives.
Resource by: American Psychological Association
Communication Aids
Communication Aids is a basic guide to Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC), and some of the AAC devices used by people who face difficulty communicating with spoken language.
Resource by: Sense
Deafness Terminology Position Paper
The Terminology position paper from the Canadian Association of the Deaf covers terms that refer to Deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing community members. It includes a short glossary.
Resource by: Canadian Association of the Deaf
The Definitive Guide to Pronouns
The Definitive Guide to Pronouns is a helpful FAQ about English-language pronouns: what they are, why they matter, and how to use them correctly for people. (Visit this post instead to find tips on referring to people who don’t use third-person pronouns.)
Resource by: National Center on Disability and Journalism
Disability Language Style Guide
The Disability Language Style Guide features a glossary of dozens of common words and terms referring to disabilities and the disability community. The guide is also available in Spanish, Italian and Romanian.
Resource by: National Center on Disability and Journalism
Dyslexia Friendly Style Guide
The Dyslexia Friendly Style Guide helps make your written materials more accessible to dyslexic people – and easier on the eye for everyone.
Resource by: British Dyslexia Association
Etiquette When Using a Sign Language Interpreter
Etiquette When Using A Sign Language Interpreter is a one-page guide for hearing people and organizations, on how to interact respectfully with Deaf people through using a sign language interpreter.
Resource by: California Department of Social Services
First Voices
First Voices is an internationally-recognized online platform for Indigenous communities to share and promote their languages, oral cultures, and linguistic histories.
Resource by: First Peoples’ Cultural Council
Five Steps to Plain Language
Five Steps to Plain Language provides a simple checklist to help people communicate with their audiences using clear wording, structure, and design.
Resource by: Center for Plain Language
Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology
The Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology is a bilingual (English and French) guide that defines terms related to equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion, and helps to educate about the concepts involved.
Resource by: Government of Canada
Inclusionary: A Guide to Gender-Inclusive Solutions
Inclusionary: A Guide to Gender-Inclusive Solutions contains a list of English-language gendered words, along with suggested alternatives.
Resource by: Government of Canada
Indigenous Peoples Terminology: Guidelines for Usage
Indigenous Peoples Terminology: Guidelines for Usage covers evolving language use when referring to Indigenous Peoples. It features a written guide as well as a video.
Resource by: Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.
PFLAG National Glossary
The PFLAG National Glossary is a searchable glossary of words and phrases referring to the LGBTQ+ community.
Resource by: PFLAG
Queer Glossary: A to Q Terminology
Queer Glossary: A to Q Terminology is a PDF resource booklet that covers terms and concepts related to 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and experiences.
Resource by: QMUNITY
What is Plain Language?
What Is Plain Language? is a simple how-to guide for drafting plain language text. It also links to plain-language resources from around the world.
Resource by: Plain Language Association International
Last updated February 4, 2024
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