Employers urged to tackle disability language

The Business Disability Forum (BDF) has launched a guide urging employers to find appropriate language for discussing disability in the workplace.

Lost in translation: A global guide to the language of disability aims to help employers overcome the “fear of getting it wrong”, by engaging in conversations using suitable “disability-related language in different situations and locations, away from a one-size fits all model”. It includes advice on terminology, training and policies for inclusive language, and what to do when language causes offence.

“The guide doesn’t set out to give a definitive answer,” said BDF chief executive Diane Lightfoot. “The answers need to come from internal discussion with customers and employees. The important thing is to be willing to start that conversation.”