A label is a word or phrase used to describe a person or group of people. We use labels like “student” and “teacher” to describe those in academics, “chef” to describe those in the culinary field and “doctor” in the medical field. We also use race and ethnicity to label people. Labels help us put people into groups in almost every aspect of life.

But what about the labels we use when talking about people with disabilities? When we call someone “disabled” or “handicapped,” we need to think about the label that those words place on him and her and how that person might feel about that label. Labels, although helpful with identifying people, can also create stereotypes and inaccurate representations that are offensive to people who have disabilities.

Labeling creates difficult situations for everyone involved. A person might see him or herself differently than how the label placed on them might describe them. The language people use creates categories and identities that might not be welcomed by the people being described. The way people are labeled can also be unfair in the sense that no two people are alike. Labels, grouping people together often by one characteristic, say little about the character, personality or interests of the people being labeled.

By using inclusive language, we can help others see that people with disabilities are more like people without disabilities than they are different from them.

For more information on how inclusive language visit these websites: