It is okay to use words or phrases such as “disabled,” “disability,” or “people with disabilities” when talking about disability issues. Ask the people you are with which term they prefer if they have a disability.
Similarly one may ask, what is the politically correct way to say disabled?
2. Words to use and avoid
| Avoid | Use |
|---|---|
| confined to a wheelchair, wheelchair-bound | wheelchair user |
| mentally handicapped, mentally defective, retarded, subnormal | with a learning disability (singular) with learning disabilities (plural) |
| cripple, invalid | disabled person |
| spastic | person with cerebral palsy |
One may also ask, how do you refer to a disabled person? The preferred terms to use these days are “disability” and “disabled.” These words have replaced “handicap” and “handicapped.” It’s no longer OK to call someone “handicapped” (5), but it is acceptable to use “handicapped” in common phrases such as “handicapped parking.”
Additionally, what is a better word for disabled?
Be aware that many people with disabilities dislike jargony, euphemistic terms like “physically challenged” and “differently abled.” People with disabilities dislike jargony, euphemistic terms like “physically challenged”, “differently-abled” and “disability.”
Is it offensive to say disabled?
“The Disabled” or “Disabled people” are considered offensive by some (who prefer “person with a disability”), while others actually prefer this. Dumb, especially when preceded by “the”.
14 Related Question Answers Found
What do you call a mentally challenged person?
Intellectual disability (ID), also known as general learning disability and mental retardation (MR), is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning.
What should you not say to a disabled person?
Seven things you should stop saying and doing to disabled people Don’t call me ‘brave’ Don’t use baby-talk. Don’t ask what my disabilities are. Don’t assume all disabled people look the same. Don’t help me without asking. Don’t give misplaced advice. Don’t assume my disability defines me.
What is proper disability etiquette?
Basic disability etiquette involves treating people with disabilities with respect. For example, speak to the person directly, not to the person accompanying them. Do not use terms such as “the disabled” or “the handicapped.” Avoid referring to people by their disability.
Is the term special needs offensive?
For example, the National Center for Disability Journalism (2015, p. 23) warns that “the word special in relationship to those with disabilities is now widely considered offensive because it euphemistically stigmatizes” persons with disabilities.
What is the politically correct term?
The term political correctness (adjectivally: politically correct; commonly abbreviated PC) is used to describe language, policies, or measures that are intended to avoid offense or disadvantage to members of particular groups in society.
What is a synonym for special needs?
Synonyms for special needs education | as inspecial education. compensatory education. learning disability education. remedial education. special ed.
What is the disability?
A disability is any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or interact with the world around them. These conditions, or impairments, may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or a combination of multiple factors.
What do you call a person who is in a wheelchair?
a person who is wheelchair bound. a person who is confined to a wheelchair. a cripple. a quadriplegic. the paraplegic.
Is it rude to call someone a cripple?
usage note for cripple The words cripple and crippled are no longer considered appropriate. Although these terms have been in use since before the year 950, since the mid-1900s they have become increasingly uncommon and are now regarded as insulting.
Can you call someone a cripple?
A cripple is a person or animal with a physical disability, particularly one who is unable to walk because of an injury or illness. By the 1970s, the word generally came to be regarded as pejorative when used for people with disabilities. Cripple is also a transitive verb, meaning “cause a disability or inability”.
What are the different types of disabilities?
Different types of disabilities vision Impairment. deaf or hard of hearing. mental health conditions. intellectual disability. acquired brain injury. autism spectrum disorder. physical disability.
Why do people have disabilities?
Common causes But the truth might surprise you. Illnesses like cancer, heart attack or diabetes cause the majority of long-term disabilities. Back pain, injuries, and arthritis are also significant causes. Most are not work-related, and therefore not covered by workers’ compensation.
Is Able Bodied a politically correct term?
In referring to people with disabilities, it is preferable to use language that focuses on their abilities rather than their disabilities. Therefore, the use of the terms “handicapped,” “able-bodied,” “physically challenged,” and “differently abled” is discouraged.
What is people’s first language with a disabilities?
People First Language (PFL) is a way of communicating that reflects knowledge and respect for people with disabilities by choosing words that recognize the person first and foremost as the primary reference and not his or her disability.