Inclusive Communication

The key to effective communication, verbal or written, is using words and phrases that treat people with respect and consideration regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin or ethnic origin, colour, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital and family status, age or other personal characteristics and social identifies. We may not intend to exclude or offend others by the words we choose.  We may simply lack information about and sensitivity to certain words or phrases. However, language can have a significant impact on the quality of our interactions with other people so it’s important to be mindful of how we communicate in order to help create a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Avoid qualifiers that imply that all members of specific ethnic groups or races are the same; e.g., suggesting that all persons of a certain ethnicity are good at athletics or mathematics.
• If you specify race or ethnic origin, be certain it is relevant.
• Avoid language that has questionable racial or ethnic connotations; e.g., "you people", or "those foreigners".

• Use gender-neutral words or phrases in your language; e.g., journalist, firefighter, chairperson.  Avoid the use of "man" or "woman" in job titles.
• Address both female and male perspectives with phrases like "employees and their spouses or partners".  Use pronouns and references that include both genders; e.g., "he/she" or "women/men".
• Avoid describing men by profession and women by physical attributes.

• Use "person first" language; e.g., "person with a disability", "student with a disability".
• Avoid using adjectives as nouns; e.g., "the deaf, the blind, the disabled".  Rather, use "student who is deaf".
• If you specify the disability, be certain it’s relevant.

• Use "sexual orientation" rather than "alternative lifestyle" or "sexual preference".
• Use gay or lesbian rather than "homosexual".
• Use the phrase "partner or spouse".
• When discussing families, be inclusive of families that are headed by same-sex partners or lesbian, bisexual, gay or transgender single parents and recognize the presence of GLBTTQQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited, queer or questioning) youth in families.
• When using the terms "diversity" or "multicultural" and reference is made to specific groups, include GLBTTQQ persons in such statements.

• Mention age only when it’s relevant.
• Let people of all ages speak for themselves rather than assuming what they want or think.
• Avoid making inappropriate assumptions about people based on their age.