The language guides below explain how disability activists and Disability Studies scholars speak and write about disability. Many of the guides include definitions of common terms, including ableism, person-first language, mad, c/s/x, disability pride, and more. They also discuss plain language writing, which is designed to make resources accessible to readers with intellectual or learning disabilities.
Brown, Lydia X. Z. “Ableism/Language.” Autistic Hoya. Glossary of ableist phrases.
“Disability Language Style Guide,” National Center on Disability and Journalism.
Lu, Thomas, and Sylvie Douglis. “Don’t Be Scared to Talk about Disabilities. Here’s What to Know and What to Say.” NPR, February 22, 2022.
Pulrang, Andrew. “Plain Language Writing — An Essential Part Of Accessibility.” Forbes, sec. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
