Tips on talking and writing

about people with disabilities

THINK PEOPLE FIRST

Language is a reflection of how people see each other. That is why responsible
communicators are now choosing language that reflects the dignity of people with
disabilities words that put the person first, rather than the disability.
Even the Associated Press Stylebook, the journalists bible, recognizes this
responsibility and includes tips in its handbook on the appropriate way to refer to
persons with varying types of disabilities.
Trendy euphemisms and disability terms will change over time. Here are some tips
on using language that is appropriate and that will stand the test of time:

In general, do not describe or label an individual as having a disability unless

it is clearly pertinent to the story or other communication.

Use common sense. Avoid terms that are obviously negative or that connote
pity such as handicapped, crippled, deaf and dumb, lame, and
defective. If you arent sure how to refer to a persons condition, just ask.

Think people first and put the person before their disability. A persons
disability should not define him, it is just part of who he is. Say a child who has
autism rather than the autistic child. Say people with autism rather than the
autistic.

Dont use phrases such as afflicted with, victim of, or suffers from
when referring to a persons disability. These references diminish the individuals
dignity and magnify the disability.

Wheelchairs enable people to escape confinement. People use wheelchairs

for independent mobility. Do not use confined to a wheelchair, or wheelchairbound. A person with mobility impairment uses a wheelchair. If necessary to
the story, say why.

Try to describe people without disabilities as just that, or use words like
typical or average instead of normal.

Try to avoid casting a person with a disability as a super-human model of

courage. People with disabilities are just people, not tragic figures or demigods.
In following these few simple guidelines, you can write and communicate with
confidence. Just remember, we are all temporarily-abled. At some point in our
lives, we will be faced with a disability of some kind and we must ask ourselves,
How would I want someone to write or talk about me?

Other words and their appropriate use:

Handicap is used to describe a barrier or a problem created by society or the
environment, not a persons disability, therefore people should not be referred to as
handicapped. For example, The teachers negative attitude was a handicap to her. Or,
The stairs leading to the stage were a handicap to him. Remnants of the terms old use
may still be seen in contexts such as handicapped parking signs, but these are gradually
being updated.
Impairment is used to characterize a physical, mental or physiological loss, abnormality
or injury that causes a limitation in one or more major life functions. For example, The
loss of her right arms was only a slight impairment to her ability to drive. Do not use
impaired to describe the person. He is not hearing impaired he is deaf or hard of
hearing.
Developmental Disability is any severe mental or physical disorder that begins during a
persons developmental years before age 22 and continues indefinitely. Individuals with
intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or other similar long-term
disabilities may be considered to have developmental disabilities. The term intellectual
disability is preferred over mental retardation.
Deaf refers to profound hearing loss. Hard of hearing may be used to describe any
degree of hearing loss, from slight to moderate.

OKDHS Pub. No. 06-48

Issued 10/2006
This publication is authorized by the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services in accordance with state and
federal regulations and printed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at a cost of $1,060.00 for 5,300
copies. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
OKDHS offices may request copies on ADM-9 (23AM009E) electronic supply orders. Members of the public may
obtain copies by contacting the OKDHS Records Center at (405) 962-1721 or 1-877-283-4113 (toll free).

Blind most frequently is used to describe a severe vision loss. Either person who is
blind or person with low vision are acceptable.
Mental illness is a term describing many forms of illnesses such as schizophrenia,
depression and emotional disorders. Use person with a mental disability rather than
referring to an individual as deranged or deviant. Clinical terms such as neurotic
and psychotic should be used only for clinical writing. Other terms such as demented,
insane, abnormal, deranged and mad often are used incorrectly and should be
avoided.

For more information about developmental disabilities or available services, contact DDSD
at (405) 521-3571 or toll free (866) 521-3571.