It is well known that people in the disability community feel that the words "disabled" and "handicapped" are offensive and archaic, Instead the use of "People First" language is preferred. This means putting the person before the disability—and eliminating prejudicial and hurtful descriptors, I don't consider People First Language as only being political correct. Instead it demonstrates respect for the person. It can change the way we see a person, and - - - the way a person sees him or herself.
Here are examples from A Guide to Using Appropriate Language (can be accessed at http://www.traponline.com/al2.pdf )
1. When referring to a person's disability, use "people first" language. In other words, it is better to say "person with a disability" or "man who has autism" rather than "a disabled person" or "an autistic man," particularly in a first reference.
.2. Do not refer to a person's disability unless it is relevant.
3. Never use the terms "cripple/crippled" in any reference of disability
4. Avoid referring to people with disabilities as "the disabled, the blind, the epileptics, the retarded, a quadriplegic," etc. Descriptive terms should be used as adjectives, not as nouns.
5. Avoid negative or sensational descriptions of a person's disability. Don't say "suffers from," "a victim of," or "afflicted with." Don't refer to people with
disabilities as "patients" unless they are receiving treatment in a medical facility. Never say "invalid." These portrayals elicit unwanted sympathy, or worse, pity toward individuals with disabilities. Respect and acceptance is what people with disabilities would rather have.
6. Don't portray people with disabilities as overly courageous, brave, special, or superhuman. This implies that it is unusual for people with disabilities to have talents or skills.
7. Don't use "normal" to describe people who don't have disabilities. It is better to say "people without disabilities" or "typical," if necessary to make comparisons.
8. Never say "wheelchair-bound" or "confined to a wheelchair." People who use mobility or adaptive equipment are, if anything, afforded freedom and access that otherwise would be denied them.
9. Never assume that a person with a communication disorder (speech impediment, hearing loss, motor impairment) also has a cognitive disability, such as mental retardation. On the other hand, people with mental retardation often speak well.
Use the terms people without disabilities; typical person. Avoid the terms normal, healthy, or able-bodied.
Use the terms wheelchair user or uses a wheelchair. Avoid the terms wheelchair-bound or confined to a wheelchair.
Use the terms congenital disability or birth anomaly. Avoid the terms birth defect or affliction.
Use the terms has cerebral palsy (CP) or other condition. Avoid the term a victim of cerebral palsy.
Use the terms has had polio; experienced polio; or has a disability as a result of polio. Avoid the terms suffers from polio; afflicted with polio, or post-polios (as a noun referring to people).
Use the term person with Down Syndrome. Avoid the terms the Down's person or Mongoloid (never).
Use the terms person who has epilepsy, people with seizure disorders seizure or epileptic episode event. Avoid the terms the epileptic (to describe a person); the epileptics fits; or epileptic fits.
Use the term people who have mental illness person with a mental or emotional disorder. Avoid the terms the mentally ill, crazy, psycho, or mental case (never).
Use the terms people who are blind; visually impaired; person who is hard of hearing; person who is deaf; or the Deaf (Deafness is a cultural phenomenon and should be capitalized in those instances.) Avoid the terms the blind-hearing impaired (translates as "broken hearing" in sign
language), deaf-mute, or deaf and dumb.
Use the term speech or communication disability. Avoid the term tongue-tied, or mute.
Is this new information for you? Or, are you regularly using People-First Language??
I welcome any comments or questions you may have on this topic.
Rochelle Kenyon, SME
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