People-first/identity-first language 

It’s important to remember that people may have personal preferences regarding how they want to be addressed.

Some individuals may prefer identity-first language, for example, “autistic person” instead of “person with autism”.

Others may prefer to use people-first language, for example, "person with schizophrenia" instead of "schizophrenic".

Always prioritise respect and courtesy and ask them for their preferred terminology when in doubt. Using a mix of approaches is also acceptable.

It’s also important to note that this language area is constantly evolving, and this guidance is iterative and aims to adapt to these changes.

Here are some general tips for making your writing as inclusive as possible:

  • Use neutral language: Avoid language that implies pity or negativity, like “cancer victim” or “diabetes sufferer”.
     
  • Be inclusive: Avoid language that marginalises any group by using words like “normal” or “abnormal”.
     
  • Stay updated: Language evolves, so stay informed about preferred terms and guidelines by engaging with relevant groups.
     
  • Make informed points: Avoid making assumptions about what an individual can or cannot do.
     
  • Be sensitive: Use respectful language that conveys dignity and avoid outdated terms that could potentially have negative connotations.

More information can be found on the National Disability Authority's advice paper on disability language and terminology.

Gender-specific suffixes 

Avoid the use of gender-specific suffixes such as -ess or -rix 

Examples:
Aviator not aviatrix
Nurse not male nurse
Actor not actress
Chair or chairperson, not chairman
Manager not manageress
Comedian not comedienne 

Writing in plain English 

Writing in plain English is essential to effective communication, regardless of the audience.

Plain language helps ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand, which is critical for ensuring that everyone can access and engage with your content.

To achieve plain language, it is important to avoid jargon, technical terms and complicated sentence structures that can make it difficult for readers to understand.

Instead, use simple language, short sentences and clear formatting to make your content more accessible.

Here are some examples of what to do and what to avoid when writing in plain English:

What to do:

  • Use simple words and avoid jargon or technical terms.
  • Write short sentences that convey one idea at a time.
  • Use active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging.
  • Break up text with headings, bullet points and other formatting to make it more scannable.
  • Define any technical terms or acronyms you use in your content.

What to avoid:

  • Using long, complicated sentences that are difficult to follow.
  • Using technical language that your audience may not be familiar with.
  • Overusing complex words or phrases that can confuse your readers.
  • Using passive voice, which can make your writing sound impersonal or confusing.

In addition to making your writing more understandable, writing in plain English is also important from an accessibility standpoint.

Many people with disabilities, such as dyslexia, visual impairments or cognitive disabilities, may have difficulty understanding complex language or sentence structures.

Writing in plain English can help ensure that everyone can access and understand your content, regardless of their ability level.

In summary, writing in plain English is essential for effective communication.

By using simple language, short sentences and clear formatting, you can make your content more accessible and engaging for all readers.