What Language Should We Use?

Focus: Disability Ministry

Topic: ADHD | Adult Ministry | Autism | Disability Ministry | Kids Ministry | Language | Student Ministry

What language should our churches use when it comes to disability? Shoud we use the term special needs? Here are five points to consider. 1) Language changes: terms surrounding physical, intellectual and hidden disability have changed over the years. 2) Language is regional: the language of the local school district may inform what terms churches in the area are using. 3) It’s impossible to please everyone, but we want to be as honoring with our language as possible to individuals and families with disabilities. People-first language is generally accepted as the preferred way of describing a person and their disability when it is necessary to do so but some advocates prefer identify-first language. 4) Consider your website: whether or not you are using terms like special needs or disability, there are people who are searching to connect with your church using those words. The church can improve its SEO, or search engine optimization, by including keywords on its website. 5) Sometimes you’re going to get it wrong: we need to listen to our internal and external audiences and be humble, be flexible, and be willing to change.