Words with dignity
People with a disability should be described in words and expressions that portray them with dignity. The following guidelines and terms are supported by some 200 organizations that represent or are associated with Canadians with a disability.
In general, remember
- describe the person, not the disability
- refer to a person's disability only when it is relevant
- avoid images designed to evoke pity or guilt
| Instead of… |
Use… |
| Disabled, handicapped, crippled |
Person(s) with a disability |
| Crippled by, afflicted with, suffering from, victim of, deformed |
Person who has…or, Person with… |
| Lame |
Person who is mobility impaired |
| Confined, bound, restricted to or dependent on a wheelchair |
Person who uses a wheelchair |
| Spastic (as a noun) |
Person with Cerebral Palsy |
| Deaf and dumb, deaf mute, hearing impaired |
Person who is Deaf, hard of hearing |
| Retarded, mentally retarded |
Person with a developmental disability |
| Physically challenged |
Person with a physical disability |
| Mental patient, mentally ill, mental, insane |
Person with a mental illness, Person who has schizophrenia, Person who has… |
| Learning disabled, learning difficulty |
Person with a learning disability |
| Visually impaired (as a collective noun) |
Persons who are visually impaired, blind |
If in doubt, ask. Most people with a disability will be more than willing to help you.
From:
ACTIVE LIVING ALLIANCE FOR CANADIANS WITH A DISABILITY
1600 James Naismith Dr., Suite 312
Gloucester, Ontario
K1B 5N4
1-800-361-2756
Tél. (613) 748-5747
ATME (613) 748-5787
Télécopie (613) 748-5734
www.ala.ca/aboutmenu_f.cfm
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