What is a nicer term for disability?

Asked by: Dr. Dayana Olson  |  Last update: May 7, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (67 votes)

Persons with disabilities” is a more neutral term than “differently abled”. The term “special” used in relation to persons with disabilities is commonly rejected, as it is considered offensive and condescending because it euphemistically stigmatizes that which is different.

How do you say disability in a nice way?

Don't automatically refer to 'disabled people' in all communications – many people who need disability benefits and services don't identify with this term. Consider using 'people with health conditions or impairments' if it seems more appropriate.

What is a better word than disability?

disability (noun as in physical or mental impairment) Strongest matches. cognitive impairment debilitation impairment incapacitation intellectual disability limitation restriction. Strong matches. damage disadvantage incapability incapacity injury.

What is a politically correct term for disabled?

More Appropriate: people with disabilities, deaf people, blind people, persons with a developmental disability. Less Appropriate: Sue is an arthritic, – diabetic, – paraplegic. Comment: Terms are variations of the condition and describes someone as the condition and implies the person is an object of medical care.

What is the legal term for disabled people?

An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.

What Is Short Term Disability? | Employee Benefits 101| Holloway Benefit Concepts

22 related questions found

Which words and phrases are considered respectful with disabilities?

PFL uses phrases such as “person with a disability,” “individuals with disabilities,” and “children with disabilities,” as opposed to phrases that identify people based solely on their disability, such as “the disabled.” The phrase “mental retardation” is offensive and outdated.

What are respectful words for disability?

Instead, you can simply say that a person “has [a disability]” or “is [blind/deaf/deafblind]”. The term “victim” should not be used unless strictly relevant. It is inappropriate to say that a person is “a victim of cerebral palsy”, for example. Cerebral palsy does not make the person a “victim”.

Should I use the term disability?

Disability advocates dislike the use of “special needs” because of its paternalistic nature and instead encourage the use of the words “disabled” and “disability.” It can be difficult to recognize language that is ableist and offensive.

What is being on disability called?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)/Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

What is disability also called as?

The words “impairment,” “disability,” and “handicap,” are often used interchangeably.

What is the correct term for someone with a mental disability?

Acceptable terms are people with psychiatric disabilities, psychiatric illnesses, emotional disorders, or mental disabilities.

What is a synonym for the word disability?

disabilities (noun as in disadvantage, restriction) Strongest matches. ailment defect impairment infirmity injury. Strong matches. affliction detriment disqualification drawback inability incapacity incompetency inexperience invalidity lack unfitness weakness.

Is it better to say you have a disability?

If you are questioning “Should I say I have a disability on job application resumes?”, we suggest it's often best not to disclose this information. Since a resume focuses on skills and experience, it's generally not recommended to mention a disability directly.

How do I describe my disability?

You should describe specific examples of how you're limited—physically, mentally, or both—in your daily activities. Also, be sure to mention your difficulties with daily activities to your doctor, so that they become part of your medical record.

Is ADHD a disability?

Behavior management strategies, such as ways to minimize distractions and increase structure and organization, and support from immediate family members can also be helpful. ADHD is a protected disability under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What is the proper term for disability?

Person-First and Identity-First Language

Person-first language puts the person first such as “person with a disability”. Identity-first language places the disability first such as “disabled person”. Whenever it is possible, ask each person how they identify and remember their preference.

What is the new word for "disabled"?

Differently-abled, Special, Gifted Use “person with disability” or “disabled person” instead. Terms like “differently-abled,” although well-meaning, can be received as “condescending, offensive or simply a way of avoiding talking about disability” [NCDJ].

Is it better to say ability or disability?

Differently abled/handi-capable/challenged

NCDJ recommendation: Avoid using any of these terms to describe someone with a disability. If speaking more generally, use “people with disabilities.” If referring to a specific person, specify the disability (e.g., “person with Tourette's Syndrome”).

What is a fancy way to say disabled?

  • paralyzed.
  • crippled.
  • incapacitated.
  • weakened.
  • undermined.
  • immobilized.
  • hamstrung.
  • attenuated.

What is a positive word for support?

Some common synonyms of support are advocate, back, champion, and uphold.

What are 3 examples of proper disability etiquette?

Keep these basic principles of disability etiquette in mind:

Let the person set the pace in walking and talking. Treat adults accordingly. Call a person by his or her first name only when you extend this familiarity to everyone present. Don't patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head.

What term do we use for disabled person answer?

Disabled is a describing word and should not be used to categorize a group of individuals. For example “disabled people” should be used rather than “the disabled”. Disability and disabled can be used interchangeably but it's important to remember to use people-first language, which is explained later in this blog.

What is the slogan for people with disabilities?

The leadership of persons with disabilities is epitomised by the global disability rights movement's slogan “Nothing About Us Without Us”. It connotes the basic requirements of participation, representation and inclusion and calls for persons with disabilities to actively shape the conditions of their lives.

What are euphemisms for disability?

Euphemisms. People often avoid the word disability because they think it is a bad word. They may use phrases that make them feel more comfortable, like “special needs,” “differently abled” or “abilities” as a substitute for disabilities.