At CTA, we’re committed to inclusion and equality for disabled people. Our research team has put this guide together using the social model of disability, which recognises that people are disabled not by their impairments or conditions, but by the barriers in society—whether physical, organisational, or to do with how people think and behave.
This model shapes the language we use. We aim to talk about disability in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and focused on removing barriers.
We also know that language is personal. Some people prefer identity-first language (like “disabled person”), while others choose person-first language (like “person with a disability”). There’s no single right way—everyone should be free to describe themselves as they choose.
Our goal isn’t to tell people what to say, but to use language that reflects our values—and to keep listening to and learning from disabled people.
If you have any questions or feedback about how we communicate, please get in touch with our Research Team at policy@ctauk.org. We’re always learning and want to make sure everyone feels respected and included.