What Is The Politically Correct Term For Disabled?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Term Now Used:

wheelchair user

. Term no longer in use: cripple, spastic, victim. Term Now Used: disabled person, person with a . Term no longer in use: the handicapped. Term Now Used: disabled person, person with a disability.

What is the proper term for disabled?

The two terms most commonly used to describe a person who has a limitation are “handicapped” and “disabled.” … The correct term is “disability”—

a person with a disability

. Person-first terminology is used because the person is more important than his or her disability.

What is the politically correct term for special needs?


The Greater Disability Community

:

With the greater (cross-disability) community, it's more of a matter of never ending-ness. It's the constant little pin-pricks of the “handi-capable”, “special needs”, the references to “wheelchair bound”, and the “differently-abled.”

Is the term physically disabled politically correct?

On the other hand, the disability movement nationally and internationally feel disability or

persons with disability

is the right terminology. … They say, “We are disabled by the the various barriers that exist in the society”. Barriers could be physical, social, communicational, political etc.

How do you say disabled politely?

Avoid euphemisms and made-up words

“Differently

abled

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

How do you describe someone with a disability?

Rather than using terms such as disabled person, handicapped people, a crippled person, use terms such as people/persons with , a person with a disability, or a person with a visual impairment. … Do not refer to a person with disability as a patient unless he/she is under medical care.

What is the opposite of a disabled person?

able-bodied abled muscular stalwart brawny burly perfect unaffected working unhindered

What is another term for special needs?

disability impairment detriment invalidity ill health impotence handicap learning disability physical disability restriction

What are politically correct terms?

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.”

What are the most common types of special needs?

  • Physical – muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, chronic asthma, epilepsy, etc.
  • Developmental – down syndrome, autism, dyslexia, processing disorders.
  • Behavioral/Emotional – ADD, bi-polar, oppositional defiance disorder, etc.

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?

Is saying special needs offensive?

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,” “disability,” or “people with disabilities” when talking about disability issues.

Why is differently abled offensive?

Differently-abled

Some consider it condescending, offensive or simply

a way of avoiding talking about disability

. Others prefer it to “disabled” because “dis” means “not,” which means that “disabled” means “not able.” But particularly when it comes to referring to individuals, “differently abled” is problematic.

How do you refer to a disabled community?

In general, refer to

the person first and the disability second

. People with disabilities are, first and foremost, people.

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 a disability?

A disability is

any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes

it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions). … Mental health. Social relationships.

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.