Researchers need to talk about disability in a way that shows respect.

Some people prefer person-first language.

Person-first language is when someone wants people to see them as a person first before their disability.

For example, a person with disability.

Some people prefer identity-first language.

Identity-first language is when someone wants people to see their disability as part of who they are.

For example, a disabled person.

Researchers need to understand and accept neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity means that people’s brains work in different ways.

Researchers should talk about neurodiversity as a strength.

Researchers need to use the social model of disability.

The social model of disability says people with disability face challenges because of how our world is designed.

Their challenges are not because of their disability.

Researchers need to use the human rights models of disability.

The human rights model of disability says people with disability should be treated:

• fairly
• with respect.

Researchers need to work with people with disability.

This includes making sure people with disability have a say on:

• the research
• decisions about the topics.