This is a general guide about inclusive language. There may be disagreements about some specifics, though there is general agreement on basic principles. If you have any questions about this guide, please email disability@lib.cam.ac.uk. Please note that some of the language in the “Words to use and avoid” section below may be offensive.

When communicating, make sure that you are clear and concise. It is also important not to have sentences that are too long. Try to minimise idiomatic language, jargon, slang, sarcasm and flippant comments.

The Hemingway App can be used to check your writing for clarity.

It is ok to refer to someone as “they” until you know the pronouns they use. However when you do know, make sure that you use their pronouns. In writing, you can also say “the student”/”the professor” for clarity, including in policy documents.

It is also important not to assume someone’s gender because of their profession.

This is not an exhaustive list, but covers some key language. There is no catch all rule, and it’s important to listen to the language that people want to use about themselves. Be open, and if someone corrects your language take it as a learning opportunity. With relation to everyday phrases, most people would not be offended by e.g. saying you are “going for a walk” with a person who uses a wheelchair, but phrases with negative connotations (e.g. “crippled by” ….) should be avoided.

Sources: Disability Wales Inclusive Language and Imagery,  Gov.uk Inclusive language: words to use and avoid when writing about disability

The Disability Resource Centre and Libraries Accessibility Service at the University of Cambridge have adopted the Social Model of Disability. This emphasises how people with impairments are disabled by barriers in society, and places the responsibility on society to remove disabling barriers and be fully inclusive of people with impairments. Many people see their lived experience of impairment and disability as part of their identity and what makes them who they are as a person.

Adoption of the Social Model of Disability implies adopting identity first language e.g. ‘disabled person’ rather than person-first language e.g. ‘person with a disability’. Having said this, it is also vital that people are free to make their own choices regarding how they wish to refer to themselves.