Inclusive language copywriting
Show up as the ally your communities expect.
Conscious language matters.
Communication that supports inclusion
As a social justice advocate, you know mindful language is not some ‘woke’ agenda.
You’ve seen first-hand how words keep marginalised people on the outer. But is that awareness embedded throughout your organisation?
Does every page of your website, every piece of communication you send, reflect the language of inclusion? Inclusive language copywriting can help.
- inclusive language audits
- customised language style guides
- content reflecting current community preference
Mindful words that acknowledge lived experience
‘Nothing about us without us’ is the civil rights slogan that guides my language choices.
I seek out community leaders and advocates, and pay attention to their language preferences. To learn from the people affected by the words we use.
Language is alive and evolving. I’ll help you be aware of changes so you can show up as the ally your communities expect.
Give ableism the flick with inclusive language
Othering language can sneak in despite good intentions. Ableism is often a big part of that.
Ableism is discrimination that assumes typical abilities are superior. It is central to the false idea that disability is something to be fixed, cured, or overcome.
Ableism in action
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- disability euphemisms, such as ‘differently abled’
- describing higher support needs as ‘special’ or ‘additional’
- assuming someone ‘suffers’ from a disability
- focussing on what someone can’t do rather than what they can
I apply the social model of disability
“The social model sees ‘disability’ is the result of the interaction between people living with impairments and an environment filled with physical, attitudinal, communication and social barriers.
It therefore carries the implication that the physical, attitudinal, communication and social environment must change to enable people living with impairments to participate in society on an equal basis with others.”
‘Do the best you can until you know better.
Then, when you know better, do better.’
– Maya Angelou