Terminology
How to Talk about Disability
Unsure what to say? You're not alone. Here's a simple guide to respectful, person-first language.
The Golden Rule: People First, Disability Second
Put the person before the condition. It's that simple.
Say: "person with a disability"
Not: "disabled person" or "the disabled"
Say: "student who is blind"
Not: "the blind student"
Quick Do's and Don'ts
|
Avoid |
Use Instead |
|---|---|
|
Handicapped, physically challenged |
Person with a disability |
|
The blind, the deaf |
People who are blind or deaf |
|
Confined to a wheelchair, wheelchair-bound |
Wheelchair user, uses a wheelchair |
|
Suffers from, victim of |
Person with [disability/condition] |
|
Normal students |
Able-bodied or non-disabled students |
What Not to Assume
Don't treat people with disabilities as:
- Objects of pity or inspiration
- Heroic or "special" just for existing
- Less capable than they are
- Defined entirely by their disability
- Jane (a student with a disability) isn't "inspiring" for attending university - she's a student doing what students do!
When in Doubt...just ASK
Most people are happy to tell you their preferences. Try:
- "What language do you prefer?"
- "How can I best support you?"
And remember: Awkward but genuine is better than avoiding the conversation altogether.
Why This Matters
Language shapes how we think. Person-first language reminds us that disability is one aspect of a person - not their entire identity.