Language Around Disability

In the disability community, language can be extremely important. Word choice can impact people, even if you are not aware of why what you said was offensive. Follow these quick tips to improve your disability nomenclature!

Put the Person First

One of the most despised words in the disability community is “disabled.” An alarm is disabled. A person has a disability. For specific disabilities, say “person with _____” Individuals also have their own preferences; if you are not sure what words to use, ask!

Refer to Assistive Devices and Equipment for Their Usage

As opposed to “John is confined to a wheelchair,” say “John is a wheelchair user.” The wheelchair enables John to get around; it is not a punishment.

Words and Phrases to Avoid

With any disability, you should always avoid negative, disempowering words such as “victim,” or “sufferer.” Refer to things directly, without emphasizing the negative aspects of the condition. For example, “Sally has Parkinsons” is much better than “Sally suffers from Parkinsons.”

Avoid Outdated Terms and Jargon

Terms like “handicapped,” “crippled,” “lame,” “physically challenged” and “differently abled” can come off as insensitive, euphemistic, and condescending. Some specific disability communities are sensitive to specific language that does not accurately represent their spectrum of ability. For example, the deaf and hard-of-hearing community prefers to exclude the phrases “hearing-impaired” and “mute”