When working and engaging with a
person with a disability, it is important to
acknowledge that everyone, regardless of
disability, has strengths and things that are
hard for them as well. It is important to treat
people with respect, regardless of their
abilities. The following are tips on how to
communicate with and about people with disabilities:
- Emphasize abilities, not limitations. For
example, use the phrase “person who uses
a wheelchair” instead of “person who is
confined to a wheelchair” or “wheelchair
bound.”
- Do not use language that suggests the lack
of something; use “person with a disability”
instead of “disabled or handicapped
person.”
- Emphasize the need for accessibility, not
the disability. This means referring to the
restroom as an “accessible bathroom”
instead of a “handicapped bathroom.”
- Do not use offensive language such as
“crippled,” “lame,” “deformed,” or “invalid,”
but use the simple phrase “person with a
physical disability.
- Avoid language that implies negative
stereotypes. Use the phrase “person
without a disability” instead of “normal
person or healthy person.”
- Finally, do not portray people with
disabilities as inspirational only because
of their disability; use the phrase “person
who is successful” instead of “person
who has overcome their disability” or “is
courageous.”
Additionally, check out this webpage
on talking about disability from the New
York City Department of Education. DCBS’
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office also has
developed an inclusive language guide that
provides further guidance on how to interact
with people with disabilities in a respectful
and supportive way.