What Is The Correct Term For People In Wheelchairs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Do not say: “Wheelchair bound” or describe someone as “confined to a wheelchair”. Instead say: “

Wheelchair user

or “person who uses a wheelchair”.

Is mobility impaired politically correct?


Don't use

the terms “handicapped,” “differently-abled,” “cripple,” “crippled,” “victim,” “retarded,” “stricken,” “poor,” “unfortunate,” or “special needs.” … It is okay to use words or phrases such as “disabled,” “,” or “people with ” when talking about disability issues.

What is the name for disabled people?

Avoid Use
cripple

, invalid disabled person
spastic person with cerebral palsy able-bodied non-disabled mental patient, insane, mad person with a mental health condition

What is the new word for disabled?

On the eve of the 2016 Paralympics, people with disabilities want the term disability to be replaced by

para-ability

. The term was devised by Jan Cocks, who was permanently paralysed on her right side from a mosquito bite when she was 10 months old.

What can I say instead of disability?

In referring to people with disabilities, it is preferable to use language that focuses on their abilities rather than their disabilities. Therefore, the use of the terms “handicapped,” “

able-bodied

,” “physically challenged,” and “differently abled” is discouraged.

How do you say disabled politely?

“Differently

abled

”, “people of all abilities”, “disAbility”, “diffAbled”, “special needs” and the like, are all euphemistic and can be considered patronising.

What are politically correct terms?

Meaning of politically correct in English

A politically correct word or expression is used

instead of another one to avoid being offensive

: Some people think that “fireman” is a sexist term, and prefer the politically correct term “firefighter.”

How do you refer to a disabled person?

Use Don't Use Person with a disability, people with disabilities Disabled person; the disabled

Which is not disability?

Invisible disabilities can also include chronic illnesses such as renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders if those diseases significantly impair normal activities of daily living. If

a medical condition does not impair normal activities

, then it is not considered a disability.

Is special needs the same as disabled?

The National Center on Disability and Journalism recommends never using it: “Our advice: avoid the term ‘special needs. ‘

Disabled is acceptable in most contexts

, but we advise asking the person to whom you're referring what they prefer.”

How do you talk to a disability?

When referring to disability, the American Psychological Association (APA) urges that it is often best to

“put the person first

.” In practice, this means that instead of referring to a “disabled person,” use “person with a disability.” Why?

What should you not say to a disabled person?

  • “What's wrong with you?” …
  • “It's so good to see you out and about!” …
  • “I know a great doctor/priest, I bet he could fix you.” …
  • “But you're so pretty!” …
  • “Here, let me do that for you.” …
  • “Hey BUDDY!” *Insert head pat /fist bump/ high five attempt*

What is general disability?

The ADA defines a person with a disability as a

person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity

. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability.

What can I say instead of wheelchair bound?

Do not say: “Wheelchair bound” or describe someone as “confined to a wheelchair”. Instead say: “

Wheelchair user or “person who uses a wheelchair

”. Remember that a wheelchair represents freedom to its user.

Is able bodied offensive?

“Able-bodied” is an

offensive term to describe non-disabled people

, a charity has said. A list of appropriate and inappropriate terms for those with disabilities has been released by Leonard Cheshire, adding that the language used is “vital”.

Is diabetes a disability?

The short answer is “Yes.”

Under most laws,

diabetes is a protected as a disability

. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are protected as disabilities.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.