Words are powerful. Why is it important to use the right words when talking to, or about, persons with a disability? Most people do not want to offend a person with a disability but are not sure of the correct terminology. "Image" is the key word in discussing the effects of positive or negative language on individuals or groups. What image does a word create? We hear a word and consciously or subconsciously we associate that word with a positive or negative image in our minds. People are not born with prejudice or negative stereotypes toward different cultures or minorities; these are learned behaviors. If people are informed about the power of language they can learn to use language that shows respect and creates positive images.
Please Say | Instead Of / Do Not Use |
people with disabilities person with a disability person with mobility impairment person with a physical disability |
a disabled person a cripple handicapped / has a handicap has a special need / special needs |
Refer to the person first, such as: Kumar has multiple sclerosis. Costos has cerebral palsy. Jannine has muscular dystrophy. |
he / she is crippled by suffers from, afflicted by, victim, invalid, stricken with, spastic patient (OK to use if undergoing medical treatment) |
Or, describe the person’s needs, and omit the diagnosis. Blake uses a power chair José writes on a computer Aletha needs behaviour supports |
Blake is a paraplegic José can’t use a pen Aletha has behaviour problems |
Persons with disabilities are part of the community. They live, work, raise children, pay bills, shop, go to restaurants, drive, and enjoy sports and recreation where they live, not in a "special community" somewhere else. |
those people people like that those poor people the disabled community |
children without disabilities able-bodied children | normal, whole, healthy, typical kids (implies that a child with a disability is not normal or healthy) |
able-bodied | normal, average (acceptable only for statistics) |
A wheelchair enables mobility. For the person who uses a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility aid, it facilitates independence, freedom, and speed. He uses a wheelchair. She walks with crutches, a walker, or canes. |
She’s confined to a wheelchair He’s restricted to a wheelchair I would hate to be wheelchair bound He has to use a wheelchair |
accessible parking space... hotel is accessible... |
handicapped zone... hotel rooms are for handicapped... |
she needs... he uses... |
she has a problem with... he has special needs... |