Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player...

Language we use

How we communicate

Two men shaking hands.

We are respectful to everyone.

The word 'Words' in the center, surrounded by several other words.

When talking we use  

  • simple words
  • or plain English.
A person holding a sign labelled 'Name'.

We say the full names of things.

No abbreviations. 

Letters ID together and a cross mark

We say intellectual disability.

We do not use ID.

Two people engaged in conversation.

We try to speak slowly.

A group of people raising their hands.

During meetings we 

  • raise our hands to speak 
  • talk one at a time.
A girl pointing upward with her right hand.

We want people to  

  • tell us if they do not understand something 
  • ask questions.
A proud woman with her hand on her chest.

We use respectful language about people with disability.

A green arrow pointing downward.

The table below has  

  • details 
  • examples.
A green tick mark

Words we use​ 

A red cross mark or X mark

Words we do not use

Say the full names of things. ​ 
Example: intellectual disability​

Do not use short forms (abbreviations).​ 
Example: ID​ 

Genetic ‘condition’ or ‘variant’

Genetic ‘disorder’ or ‘mutation’​ ​ 

‘General’ or ‘neurotypical’ people 

‘Normal’ people​ 

‘Chance’ of a genetic condition​  

‘Risk’ of a genetic condition

Person with intellectual disability

Retarded / impaired​ 

Learning differences​  

Disorder

Person​  

Case​ / patient