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Tips on language and behavior that preserve the dignity of people with disabilities and avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes and negative attitudes.
by Karen Ozmun, King County Office of Civil Rights, Seattle, Washington
Language is continually evolving, and that includes language related to people with disabilities. Staying current is important, not to show that you are
"politically correct"
but to communicate effectively and with respect. What you say and write may enhance the dignity of people with disabilities or inadvertently reflect stereotypes and negative attitudes.
Some words and phrases don't recognize the broad range of capabilities of people with disabilities. People with disabilities don't need or want to be pitied, nor should they be deemed courageous or special as they accomplish daily activities or work.
Generally, refer to the person first, not the disability. For example,
"the person who uses a wheelchair"
or
"the person who has arthritis"
is preferred over
"the wheelchair user"
or
"the arthritic."
This last term especially defines the disability as the person rather than as one aspect of his or her life.
This general rule may be different within some communities, such as those who are blind or deaf. Individuals in these groups often self-identify as
"blind person"
or
"deaf person."
Also, mention a disability only when it is relevant to the discussion.
Handicap and disability are not synonyms! Disability is a generic term for a condition which may affect a person's mobility, hearing, vision, speech, or cognitive function (paraplegia, deafness, AIDS). Handicap describes a barrier that is environmental or attitudinal (no ramps or elevator, information not available in Braille, negative stereotypes).
See Choosing WordsThat Reflect Dignity and Respect for more suggestions about appropriate language.
If you've never directly interacted with someone with a disability, it is not unusual to feel uncertain about what to do. Here are a few tips.
Shaking hands is usually welcome. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands. Shaking hands with the left hand is an acceptable greeting. You may want to take the cue from the individual with a disability. (If someone is blind, she won't see your extended hand; wait to see if she extends hers.)
When talking with a person who is disabled, look at and speak directly to that person rather than to a companion, aide, or sign language interpreter.
Feel free to use common words and phrases. For example, it's fine to say
"see you later"
to a blind person or
"Do you want to go for a walk?"
to someone who uses a wheelchair.
Karen Ozmun is the disability compliance specialist in the King County Office of Civil Rights, Seattle, Washington. She invites readers to check out the online Kids Page (www.metrokc.gov/dias/ocre/kids.htm) that addresses disability issues and includes exercises, games, and information about famous people who have disabilities. Email:
.
Reprinted with permission from the King County Office of Civil Rights.
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