Disability-Related Vocabulary to Learn and Take Abroad
This tip sheet includes many phrases and more than 60 vocabulary words vital to clearly communicate disability related needs and concerns while abroad.
Many people go abroad for the first time with the goal of learning, using or becoming fluent in another language. While most language learners have been taught how to ask for the check, locate a bathroom and introduce themselves, many language learners with disabilities quickly discover they need specific vocabulary relating to their disability to communicate important needs. Having a few phrases and some vocabulary prepared before you go will avoid misunderstandings and will assist you to be as independent and successful as possible.
In This Tipsheet
Phrases to know
Some important phrases travelers with disabilities may want to add to their foreign language vocabulary are:
1. I have a disability. It is / I am __________.
2. I am independent. I don’t have someone who helps me.
3. Is there an elevator or lift?
4. Is there an accessible______?
5. I use a ________ piece of equipment.
6. My _______ is/are broken.
7. Where can I have my _______repaired?
8. I need someone to help me________.
9. Thank you, but I don’t need any help.
10. Could you write that down for me?
11. My host family is (Name).
12. Is there a transportation service for people with disabilities?
13. What is the phone number for an accessible taxi or ______?
14. Do you have a TTY machine?
15. Where can I hire someone to be my personal assistant? Is there an agency I can call?
16. Are the public buildings accessible here?
17. May I use your phone?
18. Could you help me call my host family?
19. I use sign language.
20. Could you show me to the _______?
21. I’m sorry. I missed that. Could you please repeat it?
Vocabulary words
Below you will find an extensive list of disability related vocabulary. The words have been sorted alphabetically for sake of being user friendly. This list is not exhaustive. If you need other vocabulary, add them to your list and refer the resources under the Resources for Translating Phrases and Words section of this page.
1. Accessible rooms
2. Adapter
3. Bathroom
4. Battery
5. Blind
6. Brace
7. Braille
8. Cane
9. Caster Wheel
10. Charger
11. Classroom
12. Crutches
13. Curb cuts
14. Deaf
15. Doctor
16. Elevator
17. Emergency
18. Fatigue
19. Flat tire
20. Glasses
21. Grocery Store
22. Guide
23. Guide/Service dog
24. Hearing aid
25. Hearing Impaired
26. Higher
27. Hotel
28. Inner tube
29. Interpreter
30. Laptop computer
31. Large Print
32. Learning Disability
33. Less
34. Lower
35. Medical supply store
36. Medications
37. More
38. Paralyzed
39. Personal Assistant
40. Pharmacy
41. Privacy
42. Private
43. Prosthesis
44. Psychiatrist
45. Quieter
46. Read Lips
47. Rest
48. Safety Bars
49. Scooter
50. Screen Reader
51. Seat Cushion
52. Seizure
53. Sick
54. Slower
55. Spokes
56. Stop
57. Take Notes
58. Tired
59. Toilet
60. Veterinarian
61. Visually impaired
62. Walker
63. Wheelchair
64. Wheelchair ramps
65. Wheelchair securing straps
66. White cane
67. (Your disability)
Resources for translating phrases and words
1. Foreign language dictionary
2. Foreign Language teacher or professor
3. Any native speakers of the language you know. This may a great chance to get to know some of the international students on your campus.
4. Free online translators to help you prepare your personal pocket phrase guide to traveling as a person with a disability. Here are a few to get you started:
Babel Fish Translation
http://world.altavista.com/
Free Translation.com
http://www.freetranslation.com/
World Lingo http://www.worldlingo.com/en/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html
ForeignWorld.com Translate Now http://www.foreignword.com/tools/transnow.htm
Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.
