Language of Disability

Our language evolves with increased awareness and sensitivity to the impact that words can have on attitudes and on self-esteem. People with a disability want to be treated and referred to with respect.

Words to Avoid:

Avoid using the word “handicapped”. It refers to the sad stereotype of a person who had no other means of support than to take off his cap and beg. Cap in hand became handicapped. Thankfully, today we have social security disability and other types of social services that can support people who cannot work.

Avoid putting the word “the” before the term for the disability. Categorizing individuals takes away the individuality and the dignity of the person who is blind, deaf or hard of hearing, etc.

Put the accent on the person first:

The person who is blind (or visually impaired)

The person who is deaf (or hard of hearing)

The person who uses a cane, a wheelchair, a scooter, or crutches, or who has a mobility impairment

Student with a disability – not disabled student

Girl who cannot speak or is mute (not girl who is dumb) Etc.

Refer to a person who has a muscular, neurological or a medical condition as a person who has muscular dystrophy, a person who has had a stroke, an individual with epilepsy.

Avoid using “victim” or “suffers from” – it presumes the person is in agony or perpetually helpless.