Category: Inclusive Design Practices

Normal

Simply put

Derogatory term (indirectly) often used to describe someone without a disability.

Why it matters

This term is widely considered to be offensive. It is generally agreed to be offensive toward a person or group of people. We strongly recommend you do not use this term and instead use a term not usually thought to be offensive. While it is possible that some people will not be offended by this term, just as some people will be offended by other terms when no harm is intended, it is best to avoid.

Referring to someone without a disability as "normal" implies that someone with a disability is "abnormal."

While it may not be intended to be offensive, describing a person in this way requires that there are people to whom this label doesn't apply.

It can be appropriate to use the terms "normal" and "abnormal" to describe medical functions or certain phenomena, but typically these terms should not describe people themselves.

Best practices

If a person's disability or perceived disability is relevant, state it specifically.

If it's important to qualify that a statement is describing people without disabilities, you might opt for "people without disabilities."