A Way with Words and Images

A set of sample Q&A flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and guidelines from the 2024 Guide for communicating with and about persons with disabilities.

What is the purpose of the guide 'A Way with Words and Images'?

To support communication with and about persons with disabilities in writing, speech, and images, and to foster an accessibility- and disability-confident Canada.

What is the UNCRPD principle 'Nothing about us without us' and its Canada-related evolution?

It calls for engaging persons with disabilities and their organizations in all matters affecting them; in Canada it’s evolving toward 'Nothing Without Us' to include them in all initiatives.

When did the Accessible Canada Act come into force?

July 11, 2019.

What are the five goals of the Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service of Canada?

1) Recruit, retain and promote persons with disabilities better; 2) Enhance built environment accessibility; 3) Make information and communications technology usable by all; 4) Support public servants to design and deliver accessible programs and services; 5) Build an accessibility-confident public service.

What is ableism?

A type of discrimination in favour of persons without disabilities, linked to ideas of 'normalcy' and superiority; can be intentional or unintentional and hinders inclusion.

What is disablism?

Discrimination, exclusion, and discriminatory practices experienced by persons with disabilities; term more common in European contexts; sometimes used interchangeably with ableism.

What does intersectionality mean in the context of disabilities?

The interconnected nature of social categorizations (e.g., disability, race, gender) that can create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

What is universal design?

A basic condition of good design that considers the diverse needs of everyone, ensuring environments, products, and services are accessible and usable by all.

What is person-first language?

Language that emphasizes the person before the disability (e.g., 'person with a disability').

What is identity-first language?

Language that emphasizes the disability identity (e.g., 'disabled person' or 'Deaf person'); preferences vary by individual and group.

Why is 'the disabled' generally discouraged?

Because 'disabled' is an adjective; preferred terms are 'persons with disabilities' or 'people with disabilities'.

What counts as a barrier?

Anything that prevents full participation, including physical, architectural, technological, attitudinal, informational, or policy barriers.

Why avoid phrasing like 'living with a disability'?

Disability is an integral part of a person; use 'person with a disability' to reflect personhood rather than burden.

What is 'audism'?

Discrimination or prejudice against Deaf people or those with hearing loss.

What is a respectful replacement for 'birth defect'?

'Person born with a disability' or 'congenital disability' as neutral alternatives.

How should you refer to someone who uses a wheelchair?

'Person who uses a wheelchair'.

How should sign language terminology be handled?

Refer to the specific sign language (e.g., American Sign Language) and capitalize language names; specify regional sign languages when applicable.

What is GBA Plus?

Gender-Based Analysis Plus; a tool to deliver more inclusive and accessible programs by considering intersecting identity factors, including disability.

What should you do if you’re unsure which terms someone prefers?

Ask the person or group what terms they prefer and use those terms.

What is stigma and how does self-stigma relate?

Stigma is negative attitudes or beliefs about disability; self-stigma refers to negative stereotypes held by the person themselves.

What is neurodiversity?

Variation in thought patterns and behaviours; 'neurodivergent' describes those on the autism spectrum or with neurologically different patterns; 'neurotypical' refers to typical patterns.

What are invisible disabilities?

Disabilities not immediately noticeable (e.g., mental health, learning or intellectual disabilities); they may still require accommodations.

What are guidelines for using visuals and images?

Show diversity including invisible disabilities; avoid stock photos that misrepresent; use images of people with disabilities in typical life situations; treat mobility devices as part of the person and avoid hero/victim framing.

How should 'Deaf' be treated in terminology?

Capitalize 'Deaf' to reflect the Deaf community as a distinct cultural and linguistic group; the term acknowledges identity and sign language use.

What cautions are there about stock photos and portrayal?

Avoid images of people pretending to have a disability (e.g., actors in wheelchairs who don’t normally use one); ensure respectful, authentic representation and proper personal space.