Disability Language
When we talk about disability, we lead with respect. And that starts with how we use language. We always put the person first, before mentioning a disability or barrier. This approach is called person-first language, and it reminds us that a disability is just one part of who someone is. Not their whole identity.
For example, instead of saying “a disabled person,” we say “a person with a disability.” This small shift shows respect and keeps the focus on the person. See the chart below for examples of what to say and what to avoid.
Want to learn more? Check out the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA National Network, or contact the ADA Coordinator with any questions.
| Don't Use | Use |
|---|---|
| a handicap | a disability |
| Suffers from, afflicted by, victim of | has a disability |
| Normal | Typical |
| The handicapped, handi-capable, differently-abled | Person with a disability; People with disabilities |
| Mental retardation | Intellectual disability |
| Wheelchair bound | Person who uses a wheelchair; person with a mobility disability |
| Sight impaired | Person who is blind; Person who has low vision; Person with a visual disability |
| Hearing impaired | Person who is deaf or hard of hearing; person with a hearing disability |
| Mental illness, mental disorder, crazy, insane | psychiatric disability |
| Midget or Dwarf | Person of short stature, little person |
| Epileptic | Person who has epilepsy |
| fits, spells, attacks | Seizures |
| Brain damaged | Person with a brain injury |
| Slow learner | Person with a learning disability |
| Diabetics | Person who has diabetes |