Glossary
This glossary is informed by the Disability Language Style Guide (National Center on Disability and Journalism) and Advancing Health Equity: Guide to Language, Narrative and Concepts (AAMC Center for Health Justice). To ensure accuracy and inclusivity, we also sought input from experts and academics from across Europe.
Since language evolves and can differ across regions, we respect individual preferences and welcome your suggestions for improvement. This glossary is intended as a reference tool, not a fixed rulebook, so please use it with your own judgment and discretion, adapting it to you local language with care. Share your feedback with us at: info@caringcinema.com
Historically marginalised people and groups
Groups have been historically disempowered and oppressed by influential and discriminatory groups. Marginalisation is the result of discrimination.
Examples: marginalised because of age, gender, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigration status, language, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status
People with disabilities
People with physical, mental, developmental or intellectual disability.
We decided to use predominantly person-first language (person with a disability) as opposed to identity-first language (disabled person) although we understand each person may prefer a different approach. For consistency, we use the former throughout the survey.
People using a wheelchair
People who use mobility equipment – wheelchairs with widely different disabilities and varying abilities.
People with impaired vision
People with complete or almost complete vision loss.
We decided to use this instead of “blind persons” and “persons with limited vision” to capture the whole spectrum. However, we are aware this term is problematic in the US context.
People with impaired hearing
People who cannot hear or cannot hear well.
We decided to use this instead of “Deaf”, “deaf” and “hard of hearing” to capture the whole spectrum, including people wearing an electronic device such as a Cochlear implant that can assist a person. However, we are aware this term is problematic in the US context.
People with neurodivergence
People whose way of thinking falls outside of society’s defined version of normal.
Examples: autism, ADHD, dyslexias
People with developmental disabilities
People with a group of conditions (that arise) due to an impairment in physical, learning, language or behaviour areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period of life, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
People with cognitive impairments
People whose ability to think, learn, remember, understand, pay attention, communicate, or process sensory information is not working as well as expected for the person’s age and background.
Examples: dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease
People with mental illness
People with a history of conditions that affect how they act, think, feel or perceive the world.
Examples: bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia
LGBTQIA+ people
An abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
People made vulnerable to poverty
People who are placed in a situation where they are more likely to experience poverty due to various factors, such as systemic inequalities, economic conditions, or social policies.
Examples: bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia