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AIFS – Language matters: Building respectful relationships with disabled clients
The language we use with clients has the power to support, heal and empower. But words can also harm and dehumanise individuals. Although this is rarely intentional, research consistently suggests that recipients of health and social support services often feel disempowered, disrespected and excluded.
There are increasing calls from disabled people and advocates to challenge and change practice norms and assumptions, promote genuine inclusivity and address the inequalities experienced by disabled people. In this work, the views of disabled people must be centred.
This webinar will encourage you to reflect on the language you use in practice and provide practical tips so you can strengthen supports for disabled people.
This webinar will give you:
- a better understanding of the ways ableism and other forms of discrimination are embedded in the mainstream social service sector and general society
- an increased awareness of how colonialism continues to influence practice language, and how upholding Indigenous language sovereignty is central to self-determination, cultural safety and collective healing and wellbeing
- insight into the role language, values and beliefs can play in building positive practitioner-client relationships and supporting positive disability identities
- a chance to reflect on the language you use in practice and guidance on how to adopt language that affirms, respects and benefits individuals.
18 February 2026, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (AEDT)
