Why is the correct terminology important when referring to a person with a disability?

Language is the basis of your thoughts and attitudes about people with disabilities. Terminology continually evolves. Staying current is important, not to show that you are “politically correct,” but to communicate effectively and appropriately on the subject of disability. Without being aware of what is current and appropriate language, a person may inadvertently offend another person or convey a message that they did not intend to convey. Using “people first” language emphasizes the individual and not your perception of any possible limitation caused by the presence of a disability.

What does “people first” language mean?

It means that you refer to a “person” first, then to his or her disability. For example, say a “person with a disability” rather than a “disabled person.” If you refer to a person by his or her disability, (i.e., blind person, deaf person, etc.), you inappropriately make that characteristic more important that his or her status as a person.

How do I avoid segregation when talking about people with disabilities?

Be careful not to use language like “we or they,” which suggests segregation. Avoid grouping all individuals with disabilities together. For example, do not refer to a particular group as “the disabled,” “the deaf,” or “the blind.”

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I’ve heard so many different ways to describe persons with disabilities. How do I know what is correct?

Avoid trendy terminology like “challenged,” “handi-capable,” “differently-abled,” or “physically-challenged.” These terms are mostly invented and used by people without disabilities. Some people with disabilities may choose these terms, but the majority believe these terms are condescending and prefer they not be used. Most people with disabilities prefer to be called a “person with a disability” or a “person who has a disability.”

What is the proper way to speak to or write about someone who has a disability?

In speaking or writing, remember that children or adults with disabilities are like everyone else -- except they happen to have a disability. Therefore, here are a few tips for improving your language related to disabilities:

• speak of the person first, then the disability
• emphasize abilities, not limitations
• don’t give unsolicited praise or attention to a person with a disability; don’t patronize the person

How are the words “Impairment,” “Disability,” and “Handicap” different?

Each of these words has a distinctly different meaning. The following are definitions for each:

• Impairment: A deviation from normal development, structure or function. Examples where impairments can occur are: hearing (nerve damage), visual (glaucoma), mobility (crushed vertebrae causing paralysis).
• Disability: Refers to a functional limitation. Examples of disabilities are: 75% loss of hearing, tunnel vision, or paralysis from the neck down.

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would be when that person can not get into a building because the only entrance has stairs.

What words should I use or avoid when referring to a person with a disability?

SAY	AVOID
Person with a disability	Cripple, Handicap, Invalid
Person who has... Person with...	Victim of, stricken with, afflicted with
Person who uses a wheelchair	Confined to a wheelchair, wheel-bound, restricted     to a wheelchair
Person without a disability	Normal (implies that people with disabilities are     abnormal)
Person who is deaf, hard of hearing or without speech     who communicates in sign language	Deaf-mute, deaf and dumb
Person with mental illness or an emotional disorder	Crazy, insane, deranged
Person who has seizures	Fits, spastic
Person who has a congenital disability or a disability     that has existed from birth	Birth defect
Person with mental retardation	Retard, imbecile, moron
Person who has Down’s Syndrome	Mongoloid
Person who has Hansen’s Disease	Leper, person with leprosy
Person who has epilepsy	Epileptic
Person who has a condition	Disease (unless it is a disease)
Person who has a cleft lip	Harelip

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SAY	AVOID
Person who is paralyzed	Invalid or paralytic
Person who has hemiplegia	Hemiplegic
Person who has quadriplegia	Quadriplegic
Person who has paraplegia	Paraplegic
Person of short stature	Dwarf or midget
Person who has cerebral palsy	Palsied, or C.P., or spastic

Don’t feel intimidated by the terminology. If you use simple terms, that’s okay - but remember, simple does not mean childlike. Speak to or about adults like adults. People with disabilities are an integral part of the general public.

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