Accessibility

To mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we are introducing a new tool: the ZAB Language Compass (German). With this tool, we are contributing to a more inclusive use and handling of language at the university.

Language shapes our reality - it moulds how we talk about people, how we perceive and encounter them. Reflective and respectful language plays a crucial role, especially in the context of disability, mental illness or chronic illness. That's why we, the Accessibility Services (ZAB), have developed a new tool that is available to everyone: the ZAB Language Compass.

The Language Compass helps you to check your own german texts for possible ableist wording. Ableist language refers to terms, phrases or descriptions that discriminate against or devalue people due to a disability, mental or chronic illness or reduce them to their physical or mental abilities. If such wording is recognised, the tool points this out and suggests suitable, respectful and inclusive alternatives.

The Language Compass does not see itself as a rigid, complete collection, but rather as a learning and open tool. Language is dynamic, as is the social debate on ableism. This is why users can submit their own suggestions in the tool via an anonymous survey. These include terms or phrases that they encounter as ableist or that they would like to see added to the tool. These are only viewed and carefully checked by the creators of the Language Compass.

The aim of the Language Compass is not to lecture or condemn. Rather, it is intended to create an awareness of language, invite reflection and promote inclusive language practice - respectfully, learning-orientated and together.

Get active now and test the Language Compass, check your texts and help to further develop the tool.