Inclusive language and accessibility

Inclusive language is wording that respects every person and welcomes them into the conversation. Accessibility is making sure every person can actually take part — read the sign, watch the video, climb the stairs, sit comfortably. Together they answer one question: does this place, this lesson, this group treat every person with dignity and let them fully join in? In Grade 6 you have more group work, more posts, more presentations — so the words you choose and the spaces you build matter more than ever.

People-First Language

People-first language puts the person before any condition, role or label. The person is not the disability, the disease or the diagnosis — the person is a person. Saying "a person with a disability" puts the person first; saying "a disabled" or "a cripple" reduces them to one feature. People-first wording is small in length but big in respect.

• A person with a disability — not a disabled or a cripple.
• A child with autism — not an autistic kid.
• A person who uses a wheelchair — not wheelchair-bound.
• A learner with dyslexia — not a dyslexic.
• A person who is deaf — not the deaf-and-dumb.

Gender-Neutral Terms

Many old job titles and group words assumed only men did the job — fireman, mailman, mankind, policeman. Gender-neutral terms include everyone. They are short, clear and accurate. Use them in lessons, in writing, and in everyday talk.

• Firefighter — not fireman.
• Police officer — not policeman.
• Mail carrier — not mailman.
• Humanity or people — not mankind.
• Server — not waiter or waitress when you mean either.
• Chairperson or chair — not chairman.

Avoiding Ableist Phrases

Ableist phrases use disability words as insults — "that is so lame", "are you blind?", "this is crazy", "are you deaf?". Even when no one means harm, the words tell people with that disability that their condition is a joke or a put-down. Swap them for plain, accurate words. Your meaning stays clear and no one feels reduced.

• That is unfair — not that is lame.
• Did you not see that? — not are you blind?
• That is wild or surprising — not that is crazy.
• Did you not hear me? — not are you deaf?
• I forgot for a second — not I had a brain fart.

Six Everyday Accessibility Features

Inclusive words help. But people also need physical and digital access. These six features turn up in good libraries, good websites and good public spaces — and you can ask for them, design for them, and notice when they are missing.

1. Ramps — a gentle slope next to stairs so wheelchairs, prams and tired legs can enter.
2. Captions — written words that match the speech in a video, for deaf viewers and noisy rooms.
3. Alt-text — a short written description added to an image so screen readers can read it aloud.
4. Easy-read materials — short sentences, big print, clear pictures for readers who need plain language.
5. Quiet rooms — low-noise spaces for people who get overwhelmed by busy, crowded rooms.
6. Adjustable seating — chairs and desks that change height so different bodies sit comfortably.