Inclusive language guidelines for specific areas
Gender and sexual orientation
Gender-neutral pronouns
Use "they/them/their" as default pronouns when gender is unknown or irrelevant.
- Example: "If a user forgets their password, they can reset it online."
Titles and occupations
Use gender-neutral titles and occupational terms.
- Example: "firefighter" instead of "fireman," "police officer" instead of "policeman."
Inclusive address
Use inclusive forms of address in greetings and communications.
- Example: "Dear Team" instead of "Dear Sirs."
Race and ethnicity
Respect preferred terms
Use terms that people from specific racial or ethnic groups prefer.
- Example: "Black" or "African American" instead of outdated or offensive terms.
- Example: Capitalize “Tribal” when referring to Tribal communities.
Avoid stereotypes
Do not use language that perpetuates stereotypes or negative connotations about any race or ethnicity.
Disability and ability
Person-first language
Emphasize the individual, not the disability.
- Example: "person with autism" instead of "autistic person."
- Important clarification: if someone tells you to refer to themselves in a different way you respect that person's desire to be address in that manner.
Avoid ableist language
Refrain from using terms that imply negative judgments about disabilities.
- Example: "uses a wheelchair" instead of "wheelchair-bound."
Age
Avoid ageist language
Do not use terms that diminish or stereotype individuals based on their age.
- Example: "older adults" instead of "the elderly."
Intergenerational respect
Use language that respects all age groups and promotes intergenerational understanding.
Socioeconomic status
Neutral descriptions
Use neutral language to describe socioeconomic conditions.
- Example: "low-income families" instead of "the poor."
Avoid judgmental terms
Do not use terms that imply moral judgment or inferiority based on economic status.