Terminology
Can I say this, am I allowed to say that?
These are very common questions that get asked when it comes to diversity but in particular disability. What is clear is not everyone will agree on everything. For example there is the ongoing debate of whether its identity first or person first, I am a disabled person, I am a person with a disability. The rule of thumb is to be led by the individual, and if unsure it is actually OK to ask the question.
There is however a general agreement on some basic guidelines:
Collective Terms and Labels
The word 'disabled' is a description not a group of people, therefore use the terminology relating to 'disabled people' not 'the disabled' as the collective term.
However, many deaf people who first language is BSL, consider themselves part of 'the deaf community' - they may describe themselves as 'Deaf' with a capital D, to emphasis their deaf identity.
We need to start avoiding medical labels. They say little about people as individuals and tend to reinforce stereotypes of disabled people as 'patients' or unwell....
Don't automatically refer to 'disabled people' in all communications - many people who need disability benefits and services do not identity with this term. Consider using 'people with health conditions or impairments' if it seems more appropriate.
Positive Not Negative
Avoid phrases like 'suffers from' which suggests discomfort, constant pain and a sense of hopelessness. Wheelchair users may not view themselves as 'confined to' a wheelchair - try thinking of it as a mobility aid instead.
Everyday Phrases
Most disabled people are comfortable with the words to describe daily living. People who use wheelchairs 'go for walks' and people with visual impairments may be very pleased - or many not - 'to see you'. An impairment may just mean that some things are done in a different way.
There are some phrases that may associate impairments with negative things and should be avoided. These many include phrases such as 'deaf to our pleas', 'blind drunk' and 'I am so OCD'.
Words To Use And Avoid
We need to stop using passive, and victim words. Use language that respects disabled people as active individuals with control over their own lives.
Avoid
(the) handicapped, (the) disabled
Afflicted by, suffers from, victim of
Confined to a wheelchair, or bound
mentally handicapped, defective, retarded, subnormal
Cripple invalid
Spastic
Able bodied
mental patient, insane, psycho
Deaf and dumb, deaf mute
the blind
an epileptic, diabetic, depressive
midget
Fits, spells, attacks
Use
disabled (people)
has [ condition]
wheelchair user
learning disability
disabled person
person with cerebral palsy
non disabled
person with mental ill health or person with a mental health condition
deaf, user of British Sign Language (BSL), person with a hearing impairment, person with speech impairment
people with a visual impairment, blind people, partially sighted people
an epileptic, diabetic or person with
someone with dwarfism
seizures
Rule of thumb, if you are unsure don't be afraid to ASK!
Some Tips On Behaviour
disabled people are still people, when having a conversation use a normal tone of voice, don't patronise or talk down
don't be too precious or too politically correct - being super sensitive to the right and wrong language and depcitions will stop you doing anything!
never attempt to speak or finish a sentence for the person you are talking to
address disabled people in the same way you talk to everyone else
remember point 1, disabled people are still people, speak directly to them even if they have an interpreter or companion with them.