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Department of Premier and Cabinet

Getting the language right

Always refer to the person first rather than their impairment.  In this way the person is not defined by their impairment. Use the word accessible rather than disabled to refer to accessible facilities designed for people with disability.

UseDon't Use
Person with disabilityDisabled person
Person who is blind/Person who has a vision impairmentBlind person
Person who is Deaf/Person who has a hearing impairmentDeaf person
Accessible parkingDisabled parking
Accessible toiletDisabled toilet
Person who uses a wheelchair/wheelchair userPerson confined to a wheelchair

This checklist is one of a series that support the Guidelines for Accessible Events.