{"id":17191,"date":"2023-06-13T07:00:15","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T11:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bgccan.com\/?p=17191"},"modified":"2026-03-31T22:18:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T22:18:25","slug":"language-and-inclusivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bgccan.com\/en\/language-and-inclusivity\/","title":{"rendered":"Why inclusive language is important"},"content":{"rendered":"

By\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Owen Charters<\/span><\/span><\/a>, President & CEO, BGC Canada<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

June 13,<\/span> 2023<\/span><\/p>\n

Not too long ago<\/span>, we shared some style guides with our<\/span> BGC Canada<\/span> staff that discussed using language in more <\/span>appropriate<\/span>, inclusive ways in different situations and to recognize various populations<\/span>.<\/span><\/em><\/h4>\n

Language is always evolving, and despite some areas where it seems to devolve (the use of emojis, perhaps?), it\u2019s usually a progressive thing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As BGC Canada is a social service provider and needs to be in sync with the populations and causes we serve and support, we need to be aware of the language we use. We need to be progressive. We want to ensure we are following best practices and appropriately reflecting or representing the populations and issues we\u2019re talking about.<\/span><\/p>\n

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion<\/b><\/p>\n

In my previous work with kids with disabilities, we were trained early on to use language that was enabling. One of the most frustrating lines that often appears in the media is \u201cShe was confined to a wheelchair.\u201d People in wheelchairs are not confined. It\u2019s quite the opposite; the wheelchair offers them mobility and capacity for independence\u2014it is not a confining device.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

People with disabilities do not want to be \u2018disabled people\u2019\u2014they are people first, not disabled first. So \u201cpeople with disabilities\u201d is greatly preferred. And some are increasingly asked to be noted as \u2018differently-abled\u2019\u2014because, it turns out, we ALL have some form of disability. I wear glasses and can\u2019t see without them. Some people have asthma and can\u2019t do certain athletic activities without an inhaler. So why do we differentiate those that are \u201cobviously\u201d disabled from those who might seem less so?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why inclusive style guides are important.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Language is important and should be enabling, not belittling. It\u2019s easy to fall into bad habits\u2014doctors are infamous for this: \u201cDid you get to see the diabetic in exam room 1? I just spoke with the broken leg in 2.\u201d The language completely removes the person and undermines the respect for the individuals who are the patients\u2014whole people who have needs and lives beyond their injury or disease.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since one of our core values is \u2018Respect: We ensure that everyone is heard, valued, and treated fairly,\u2019 we need to ensure we use language that shows that respect.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for inclusive style guides, I recommend:<\/span><\/p>\n

BGC Canada\u2019s journey into equity, diversity and inclusion is entrenched in our core values of belonging, respect, encouragement & support, working together and speaking out. <\/span><\/span>Learn more<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n