Language matters — word choices can either create inclusive or exclusionary environments. According to the Center for Disease Control more than 1 in 4 California adults report having some form of a disability. Disability is part of the human experience, but sometimes people use words or phrases that are insensitive and do not promote understanding, dignity, and respect for people with disabilities. Most often than not, this is not intentional but can be disrespectful. 

Language constantly evolves, including how people with disabilities prefer to be presented or spoken about. Listen to how a person self-identifies. If unsure, ask the person how they would like to be described. It is important to remember that preferences can vary.

Here are two respectful models for speaking about people with disabilities:

Identity-First Language

Many advocates assert that being disabled is as natural as any other identity, on par with gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or race.

Identity-first language arose from a growing number of Autistics, with a capital A, who view autism as a positive, natural part of who they are. Also, the Deaf community historically refers to itself as Deaf with a capital D. However, there is not yet consensus among all disability groups to adopt identity-first language.

Person-First Language

As the disability movement came into its own after the passage of the ADA, advocates asserted that individuals with disabilities are people first, equal and deserving of the same rights and treatments as everyone else. “Person-first” language was born from the movement’s early days.

Say “person with a disability” and “people with disabilities.” For specific disabilities, saying “person with a spinal cord injury” or “person with cerebral palsy” is considered respectful.

Similarly, say “wheelchair user” or “person who uses a wheelchair.” People are not bound or confined to their wheelchairs, after all. A wheelchair is a tool that enables the person to get around and participate in society; it’s liberating, not confining.

While it is OK to interchange identity-first and person-first, it is best to take the lead from the disabled person or group you are interacting with. Chances are, you won’t need to choose either speaking style and can simply call them by their names.

Words to avoid: euphemisms such as “differently abled,” “challenged,” “handi-capable,” as they are often considered condescending. By shying away from mentioning “disability,” it reinforces the notion that being disabled or a person with disability is shameful or negative.  Avoid negative, disempowering words like “victim” or “sufferer.” Never use the word “retard” or “retardation.”

It is OK to use idiomatic expressions when talking to people with disabilities. For example, saying, “It was good to see you,” is fine.

For additional guidance on disability etiquette, review United Spinal Association’s Disability Etiquette Guide: Tips on Interacting Respectfully with People with Disabilities.

For additional guidance on disability inclusive language, review the United Nations Disability-Inclusive Language Guidelines.

This summary of disability language tips is based on United Spinal Association's Disability etiquette: Tips on interacting with people with disabilities from https://www.unitedspinal.org/pdf/DisabilityEtiquette.pdf.