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Law Society Publishes Guidance on Disability Terminology

To mark Disability History Month (14 November – 20 December), the Law Society of England and Wales has released essential guidance on disability terminology and language. This initiative aims to empower employers and employees by fostering inclusive and respectful communication in the workplace.

Understanding the Power of Words

The guidance emphasizes the importance of language in shaping attitudes and breaking down barriers. With a wide variety of terms, phrases, and acronyms used when discussing disability, staying informed and adapting to appropriate terminology is crucial.

Key takeaways from the guidance include:

  • Avoid terms that imply pity, such as “suffering from” or “victim of.”
  • Opt for empowering language, like using “support” instead of “help.”
  • Respect individual preferences, as identity and self-description are highly personal.

Why This Matters

Employment statistics highlight the ongoing challenges and progress in disability inclusion:

  • According to UK government data, 5.1 million disabled people were in employment in Q2 2023, a notable increase of 2.2 million over the past decade.
  • The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reported a rise in the proportion of disabled lawyers, from 3% in 2015 to 6% in 2023. However, this figure still lags behind the broader UK workforce, where 16% of employees identify as disabled.

Law Society president Richard Atkinson stressed the need for action:

“People and organisations can be so fearful of saying the wrong thing that they say nothing and do not address the barriers to improve disability inclusion.”

To support this goal, the Law Society’s guide encourages professionals to:

  • Educate themselves on appropriate language.
  • Ask politely about individual preferences when in doubt.
  • Continuously refresh their knowledge to foster inclusivity.

Additional Resources

Explore these resources to deepen your understanding and commitment to disability inclusion:

This year’s Disability History Month theme, “Disability, Livelihood, and Employment,” underscores the importance of fostering equal opportunities in workplaces across the UK.

About the Law Society

The Law Society is an independent professional body committed to supporting solicitors worldwide, promoting high professional standards, advocating for public interest, and upholding the rule of law.

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