Which words and phrases are considered respectful with disabilities?
Asked by: Dr. Winnifred Wiza IV | Last update: September 2, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (69 votes)
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”.
Which words and phrases are considered respectful?
- 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 the respectful language for disability?
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].
What are other terms for disability friendly?
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.
Respectful Language
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.
When referring to people with disabilities which phrase is respectful?
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 The phrase “mental retardation” is offensive and outdated.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 some examples of using respectful language?
Welcoming or addressing a group of people: A common introductory statement is 'Welcome ladies and gentlemen'. This excludes non-binary gender identities. An alternative is to say 'Welcome everyone'.
What words can I use instead of disability?
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 are the four polite words?
The building blocks of proper etiquette and good manners begin with the magic words "please", "thank you", "you're welcome" and "I'm sorry". These are the words and phrases that should be taught to children from an early age.
Which words and phrases are considered respectful for autism?
In the autism community, many self-advocates and their allies prefer terminology such as “Autistic,” “Autistic person,” or “Autistic individual” because we understand autism as an inherent part of an individual's identity — the same way one refers to “Muslims,” “African-Americans,” “Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/ ...
How can you show respect to people with disabilities?
- Practice the Golden Rule. Treat everyone as you would like to be treated. ...
- Always Ask Before Giving Assistance. Just because a person has a disability, they don't necessarily need or want your assistance. ...
- Think Before You Speak. ...
- Avoid Showing Pity or Being Patronizing.
What is a positive word for support?
Some common synonyms of support are advocate, back, champion, and uphold.
What is a more appropriate word for disabled?
(The debate over the use of handicap versus disabled has not been settled. Check to see which term individuals might prefer.) More Appropriate: people with disabilities, deaf people, blind people, persons with a developmental disability. Less Appropriate: Sue is an arthritic, – diabetic, – paraplegic.
What is the phrase individuals with disabilities is an example of?
The phrase "individuals with disabilities" is an example of person-first language, prioritizing the person over the disability. This approach reflects respect and recognizes that individuals are more than their labels. Understanding and using preferred language regarding disabilities fosters inclusivity and respect.
Which of the terms phrases should be avoided when writing or speaking about people with disabilities?
Writing Guidelines
Avoid using the term "normal." Avoid sensationalizing a disability by using phrases like, but not limited to, "afflicted with," "suffers from," or "victim of.” Avoid “inspiration porn,” defined as using an individual's experience as inspiration for others. This is patronizing, harmful, and offensive.
What is the language etiquette for disability?
Avoid terms like 'special needs', 'differently abled', 'person of all abilities' or language that implies a person with disability is inspirational because of their disability. 'Person with disability' identifies the person rather than the disability. For example, use 'person who is blind instead' of 'blind person'.
What are the two disability etiquettes?
Answer: Two Disability Ettiquette are: (i) While going to help someone with a disability, ask if he or she needs it, and listen to any instructions the person may want to give. (ii) When planning events involving persons with disabilities, consider their needs ahead of time.
What are the 2 types in regards to disability?
The disability may be permanent or temporary. It may exist from birth or be acquired later in life. People with the same disability are as likely as anyone else to have different abilities.
What does the word "ableist" mean?
Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require 'fixing' and defines people by their disability.
What is a disability friendly format?
use a common, plain font and a text size of at least 12 point. use proper list formatting for numbered or bullet lists. provide a meaningful description of important images. check the accessibility of your document using Word's built-in checker.
What is a word for can't walk?
Paraplegic is a medical word for being paralyzed from the waist down. If you're paraplegic, you can't move your legs or anything below the waist, and you have no feeling in those areas either. People usually get this condition because of damage to the spinal cord, which could result from a disease or an accident.
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).