What term do we use for disabled person answer?

Asked by: Zack Kub  |  Last update: August 31, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (60 votes)

Examples include “people with disabilities” instead of “disabled people;” “a person who uses a wheelchair,” not a “wheelchair-bound person;” and “people who are hard of hearing,” not “deaf people.” Many people with disabilities prefer identity-first language (e.g., “disabled person,” “Autistic”), which is a reclamation ...

What is the correct term for disabled persons?

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 term do we use to a disabled person?

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.

What is a better word for disabled person?

Differently-abled, Special, Gifted Use “person with disability” or “disabled person” instead.

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.

Disabilities: How to Cope With Them & Support Others

17 related questions found

Is the term disabled OK?

Do not use patronising language or attribute characteristics such as 'inspirational' or 'brave' to a person purely based on their disability. The term 'disabled people' is generally preferred. You could also consider using 'people with disabilities' or 'people with health conditions or impairments' where appropriate.

What is a synonym for individuals with disabilities?

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disabled. crippled. paralyzed. impaired. incapacitated.

What is the new term for special needs?

While the phrase "special needs" has no legal meaning, the word "disability" does. "Disabled" is a straightforward word with a clear-cut meaning, which is why many disabled people prefer it to the phrase "special needs."

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 is the difference between disabled and handicapped?

As traditionally used, impairment refers to a problem with a structure or organ of the body; disability is a functional limitation with regard to a particular activity; and handicap refers to a disadvantage in filling a role in life relative to a peer group.

What describes a disabled person?

The legal definition of disability

They have a physical or mental impairment, and. the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

What is the word for to be disabled?

Some common synonyms of disable are cripple, debilitate, enfeeble, sap, undermine, and weaken. While all these words mean "to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor," disable suggests bringing about impairment or limitation in a physical or mental ability.

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 the formal definition of disabled?

Disability is the experience of any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or have equitable access within a given society. Disabilities may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or a combination of multiple factors.

What is the politically correct term for hearing impaired?

Many individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing prefer the terms "deaf" and "hard of hearing," because they consider them to be more positive than the term "hearing impaired," which implies a deficit or that something is wrong that makes a person less than whole.

How do I ask if someone is disabled on a form?

Asking about disabilities

Again she stresses asking for information in a way that ensures it is relevant to the task at hand. For example you may want to ask someone if they require a larger font used in correspondence, but do not have to ask if they are in a wheelchair.

What should I say instead of "disabled"?

Handicapped Accessible or Disabled Use the appropriate alternatives such as “accessible bathrooms”, “accessible parking spots”, “disabled athletes”, or “athletes with disabilities”. Moron / Dumb Say “that makes no sense” or “that's ridiculous”. Avoid using these words as an insult.

What is an example of a disabled person?

Examples of impairments include blindness, deafness, loss of sight in an eye, paralysis of a limb, amputation of a limb; mental retardation, partial sight, loss of speech, mutism.

How do you refer to a disabled person?

Instead, refer to the person's specific condition or use “person with a disability.” The terms are still widely used and generally acceptable when citing laws, regulations, places, or things, such as “handicapped parking.” However, many prefer the term “accessible parking.”

What is the correct term for special needs?

Check to see which term individuals might prefer.) More Appropriate: people with disabilities, deaf people, blind people, persons with a developmental disability.

What is a nicer word for special needs?

Meriah Nichols, from “Unpacking Disability with Meriah Nichols,” explains in her blog post, “3 Reasons to say Disability instead of Special Needs,” that terms such as “Handi-capable,” “People of all abilities,” “Different abilities,” “Differently abled” and “special needs” were “made up outside of the disabled ...

What term do we use for disabled person?

Therefore, the use of the terms "handicapped," "able-bodied," "physically challenged," and "differently abled" is discouraged. 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.

Which words and phrases are considered respectful?

9 Things Polite People Always Say
  • Please.
  • Thank You.
  • You're Welcome.
  • Pardon Me.
  • Excuse Me.
  • I'm Sorry.
  • May I Help You?
  • I Would Like... / May I Please Have...?

What is another term for disability benefits?

Several federal benefits programs provide financial assistance to seniors and persons living with disabilities. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are two of the most common programs from the Social Security Administration (SSA).