Disability Inclusive Language (DIL)

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Illustration of diverse people with visible and invisible disabilities engaging in daily activities around a large sign that reads Disability Inclusive Language in bold text. The background features colorful abstract designs.
Enquire About This Programme!

Programme Description

How we talk about disability shapes how we think about it — and how disabled people are treated. This programme invites you to take a critical, thoughtful look at the language we use around disability: the worldviews it carries, the assumptions it reflects, and the real impact it has on communities. 

Rather than offering a rigid list of “right” and “wrong” words, we will equip you with the skills to analyse language, understand its deeper implications, and make informed, respectful choices. This isn’t about political correctness — it’s about recognising that language actively builds or breaks inclusion.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own communication materials to the workshop. Through guided exercises, reflection, and hands-on practice, you’ll walk away not just with greater awareness, but with sharper, more inclusive communication ready to use. Expect a highly practical, thoughtful space where you apply what you learn immediately, rather than simply being told what to say.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Consider how language shapes our thinking  
  2. Analyse the use of disability language in mainstream contexts and by disabled communities and consider their implications 
  3. Apply analytical skills learnt to own communication collateral that you will bring to the workshop

Target Audience

Those new to discussions about disability language and would like to develop a foundational understanding of how to approach appropriate disability language critically and sensitively.

This can include:

  • People in the creative field: e.g. Content creators, Writers, Editors, Publishers, Filmmakers, Journalists, Communications
  • People working in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 
  • People who work closely with disabled people (e.g. social workers, therapists, doctors, nurses, teachers, Disability Office / Special Educational Needs departments) 
  • People working in social justice / advocacy, Youth leaders (e.g. student councils, Youth NGOs, volunteer coordinators, grassroots workers)

Accessibility

We are committed to creating a programme experience that is inclusive, accessible and affirming of diverse accessibility needs. Read on to find out more about the access arrangements available for this programme!

  1. Speech-to-Text Interpreting (STTI) to be viewed on your own devices like phone or laptop
  2. Breaks 
  3. Multiple modes of expression for processing information and responding, particularly verbal and written modes 
  4. Session notes reflecting slides’ content, which is sent ahead of programme
  5. Programme outline sent ahead of time 
  6. Materials provided in screen-reader friendly formats 
  7. Glossary of all technical terms taught in the course
  8. Captions for all audio content  
  9. Presenters will actively speak at a moderate pace and encourage one speaker at a time to facilitate smoother information processing
  1. Visual Interpretation (describing any contextually meaningful visual elements on slides and videos)
  2. Singapore Sign Language interpretation 

We understand that access needs are diverse and nuanced. Thus, please note that the list above is not exhaustive. If you would like to make additional access requests, do share with us when registering, or email us at training@equaldreams.sg as early as possible, this is so that we have sufficient time to coordinate these access arrangements and ensure that they are implemented effectively. 

Contact

For further enquiries, email us at training@equaldreams.sg
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