Even as I describe people as being visually impaired, I have already stepped into word doo-doo. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Examples: contributors, community, community members, community impacted, community affected, community of solution, coalition members, allies, colleagues, clients, tribes, advocacy groups, interested parties/groups, implementing partners, working partners, funders. Comment: Terms are demeaning. Roll with their example. The most essential guideline for disability language is to use whatever words each individual disabled person prefers. Language in communication products should reflect and speak to the needs of people in the audience of focus. Recognize obviously insulting terms and stop using or tolerating them. Evolution and Inclusive Language: Creating a New Term for Visual Let's begin by defining some terms. As Michelle Swan says in her essay My Needs are not Special, My needs are not special, they are just my needs, and I have the same right to have my needs met as any other person.. Healthcare Access & Access to Services and Resources, Non-U.S.-born Persons / Immigration Status, People Who are at Increased / Higher Risk, Working Partners & Community Collaborators, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your email address will not be published. 4. Deaf, and neurodiverse herself, shes a gardening nerd who loves cats, Star Trek, and takes her coffee hot and black. One reason why disability language is still so controversial is that there is an almost hidden but quite fundamental clash between what people are trying to do with the words they choose and the phrases they craft to talk about disability. Consider using words other than stakeholder when appropriate for your audience and subject matter, recognizing it may not always be possible to do so. What is a "politically correct" term you are sick of hearing? In that case, its just disability students with disabilities, disability in education, etc. More Appropriate: blind, legally blind, partially sighted, vision impaired, Less Appropriate: deaf and dumb, deaf-mute, dummy. Dunn is the author or editor of 29 books and over 150 journal articles, chapters and book reviews. Deaf-mute is a term which was used historically to identify a person who was either deaf and used sign language or both deaf and could not speak.The term continues to be used to refer to deaf people who cannot speak an oral language or have some degree of speaking ability, but choose not to speak because of the negative or unwanted attention atypical voices sometimes attract. This site strives to "unpack" - or better understand - disability by trying to go deeper into disability thought, culture, opinions and experience through interviews, essays and media. I dont know what to say, really, because I know if I tell you something, someone else will be telling you something different. In the meantime, the best thing for all of us, disabled or not, is to follow these kinds of basic guidelines, listen to disabled people, and relax a little. Word and phrases that have been accepted and entered into our day to day vocabulary that enhance the inclusion of individuals or groups of people, usually found in minorities in our societies and communities. Very few adults refer to their disabilities as special needs, which should maybe cause us to rethink using the term for kids and youth with disabilities. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Aim to be factual, descriptive, and simple, not condescending, sentimental, or awkward. Quinn West, a disabled artist living in Chicago, grew up going to a mainstream school and felt the impact of the term "special needs." "Abled people assume that saying 'special' means a 'good . All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. As with other marginalized groups, we should know by now that refusing to acknowledge or talk about disability as a real experience doesnt make life better for disabled people. They are not necessarily more politically correct., More Appropriate: a person has a physical, sensory or mental disability, Less Appropriate: inspirational, courageous. Term no longer in use: the handicapped. I also know that there are people who disagree with me, and thats ok too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Other disabilities are not necessarily apparent, for example, acquired brain injury or chronic depression. Some people say that using different terms to refer to people gives in to a movement to be politically correct. Disabled people, their families and friends, their allies and casual acquaintances, and their antagonists cant agree on which words strike the right balance between accuracy, clarity, realism, and positivity. Washington, D.C.: Author. Humanizingphrases emphasize the person even if the adjective of the disability is included. So here we go. Handicap. Because many people have asked me if its still politically correct to use the term special needs, and what to say instead. Solo mom to 3 (one with Down syndrome, one on the spectrum). They referred to me as the wheelchair and my four year-old shouts, Shes my Mum! I was really proud and the dudes were embarrassed, and learned something. 140 Synonyms & Antonyms of DISABLED - Merriam-Webster The term is " disability rights " - not " disabled rights " or " handicapped rights " simply because historically and politically that's the term that the activists themselves have come to call it. And yes, by law this is their right. Person with a disability is now referred to as a disabled person. The Down syndrome community simmers down. Older buildings that lack ramps for wheelchair access, for example, present a handicap for people who use wheelchairs. Everyone is somewhere different in their journey, their life. We are all at different points on our journey and learning and language and vernacular are constantly changing. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Exploring disability practices, policy, politics, and culture. any physical or mental defect, congenital or acquired, preventing or restricting a person from . Used as a put-down in most cases. The following is intended as suggestion, not censorship, in choosing more appropriate terms. I had a lot of fun with the gifs. use a normal tone of voice, don't patronise or talk down; don't be too precious or too politically correct - being super-sensitive to the right and wrong language . 56. Erin E. Andrews, former co-chair of APA's Committee on Disability Issues in Psychology is board certified in rehabilitation psychology and currently serves as the supervisory psychologist at the Austin Veterans Affairs (VA) Outpatient Clinic, the largest freestanding VA outpatient clinic in the United States. Confusion in the use and understanding of these terms can impact the lives and safety of refugees and asylum-seekers. Say the word: disability. Is "Special Needs" Offensive? The new term to say instead of Special Needs. Several months ago, I did a blog post about People First Language, and why it shouldnt be mandated. It also reflects how some disabled people experience their disabilities, as simply an aspect of themselves, but not something that defines them. Language in communication products should reflect and speak to the needs of people in the audience of focus. More Appropriate: walks with a cane, uses crutches, has a disabled/handicapped hand, Less Appropriate: crazy, insane, psycho, nut, maniac, former mental patient. . Overwhelmingly, we prefer to be called "hard of hearing people.". Latinx has been proposed as a gender-neutral English term, but there is debate around its usage. He earned his BA in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, Penn. Whatever You Do Don't Call Me Differently Abled. Colorado State Universitysland acknowledgment is a statement crafted by a variety of Indigenous faculty and staff, as well as other officials at CSU. Using disability language that puts the people first, then mentioning their disabilities when appropriate, is the preferred and recommended language according to ADA guidelines and documents. Is there any alternative to person-first language? American Indian or Alaska Native should only be used to describe persons with different tribal affiliations or when the tribal affiliations are not known or not known to be the same. Crippled, Disabled, HandicappedWhich Word Should I Use? What Is Political Correctness? Definition, Pros, and Cons - ThoughtCo Other terms, tribal communities/populations or indigenous communities/populations, could also be used to refer to groups with multiple tribal affiliations. You should also avoid using terms like 'able-bodied' as this implies people . Why the Word "Handicapped" Should Be Eliminated From Our Vocabulary Don't use: "Schizophrenic, psychotic, disturbed, crazy or insane". Consider these guidelines when communicating with or about disabled people. Take note of their choices in written language. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ugly is ugly and kindness prevails always! Some groups within the disability community, which is arguably the largest minority group in the U.S., have already established their language preferences. Otherwise, identify persons or groups by their specific tribal affiliation. "Impaired" means weakened, diminished, or damaged. Person first was supposed to emphasize personhood in contrast with summing up people by their disabilities. He needs to communicate and to eat, go to school, get a job, have friends and leisure activities. These conditions, or impairments, may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or a combination of multiple factors. They are somebody's son, somebody's daughter. You have rejected additional cookies. Thus, someone with congenital blindness has a disability, as does someone who must use a wheelchair for mobility purposes. Alternative words to the term disability are usually efforts to avoid the negative stigma ATTACHED to the word rather than seeing disability as neutral. Disabled people have the right to do everything we do. What Is the Difference Between Special Education - Synonym What term do we use for disabled person *? Person with . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. When people use the term "the homeless" or "homeless person" (even in the context of compassion and kindness, such as "helping the homeless," "feeding the homeless . People should be allowed to use terms that mean something to them. Im learning. Almost no term is as insulting as a non-disabled person patiently or aggressively explaining to a disabled person why their own way of talking about themselves is wrong. Dunn also blogs regularly for Psychology Today's "Head of the Class.". Ten Commandments for How to Talk About Mental Health This difference may be because of race, gender, beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, or because they have a mental or physical disability, or any difference from what most people believe is normal. Comment: Terms are variations of the condition and describes someone as the condition and implies the person is an object of medical care. Preferred Terms for Select Population Groups & Communities Now that we know the distinction between disability and handicap, how do we refer people who have disabilities? When in doubt, then, the wisest and kindest choice is simply to ask people about their preferences. The Gift of a Moment: Understanding Difficult Times and Choices, 4 Ideas for Developing A Strong Leadership Pipeline with Disabled Youth, by Corbett OToole, Sibling Series: Patti Guest Posts in an Interview with her kids. Denies other aspects of the person. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Dana S. Dunn, a professor of psychology at Moravian College, in Bethlehem, Penn. Disability is a particular way of seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking, moving, learning, sensing, being. OMG thats so annoying. thats so awesome/not awesome and YES. What if you want to use the actual meaning of the word in a correct context, like retard growth? Using phrases like "person with a disability" and "individual with an amputation" emphasizes the person and not his or her condition. It doesnt work! We can name specific types of disability, like cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, amputee, or blind. This doesnt work. Whats the right way to refer to someone in a wheelchair, or a someone who cant see, or see well, or a person who cant hear, or hear well, someone who doesnt speak, who has noticeable trouble understanding things, someone who is sick a lot, or always in pain, or who just seems strange or off in some undefinable way? Use LGBTQ community (and not, for example, gay community) to reflect the diversity of the community unless a specific sub-group is meant to be referenced. With that in mind, some basic guidelines for politically correct and the disabled: "Special needs" WAS an educational term, not a disability term. Your email address will not be published. Before I became disabled myself, I worked in a field that served people with a variety of disabilities. Not everyone will agree on everything but there is general agreement on some basic guidelines. Comment: Terms reflect negative and tragedy and connote pitiful helplessness, dependency, defeat. Inclusive Language - Student Disability Center Refugees who leave their homes may be entitled to a range of legal protections and aid to which migrants are not entitled. As you also know from your own experience, education is key to improving all of our lives. Person with a disability is now referred to as a disabled person. Acceptable and Unacceptable Disability Terminology Consider using the terms sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. What Are the Politically Correct Terms For Students With Disabilities Worked for me. 1. Is that person over there going to jump on me? Obviously, its impossible to satisfy everyone. Part of an identity. 3. The Top 20 Questions on "Politically Correct" Terms [with Answers Synonyms for DISABLED: impaired, challenged, deaf, blind, paralyzed, differently abled, exceptional, incapacitated; Antonyms of DISABLED: nondisabled, abled . More Appropriate: accept people for who they are, including that they have a disability. One approach encourages a degree of positive emotionalism and persuasion to be built into disability language. Avoid passive, victim words. It's a good idea to follow the AMA Manual of Style's lead with this one. Choosing Words for Talking About Disability Pay attention to the words adults with disabilities use most often. Some groups consider the term people of color as an unnecessary and binary option (people of color vs. White people), and some people do not identify with the term people of color. If you describe one group, use the same type of description for all groups being compared. Often used by programs providing services and support for disabled people and meant as a positive alternative. Somewhere around 15-20% of the human population is disabled. American Psychologist, 70, 255-264. However, many deaf people whose first language is BSL consider themselves part of the deaf community they may describe themselves as Deaf, with a capital D, to emphasise their deaf identity. Neil has to use other words to describe me. A disability is present when activities usually performed by people (such as walking, talking, reading or learning) are in some way restricted. Accessible parking, parking for people with disabilities . I completely get it and I dont think there are easy answers because I think so much of this depends on individual preference. Why you shouldn't use 'differently-abled' anymore - BetterUp We do know that at some point, some people decided that terms like "deaf" or "blind" were derogatory, negative, and should not be used. Persons aged [numeric age group] (for example, persons aged 55-64 years), Elders when referring to older adults in a cultural context, Elderly or frail elderly when referring to older adults in a specific clinical context, People who are at increased/higher risk for [condition], People who live/work in settings that put them at increased/higher risk of becoming infected or exposed to hazards, Referring to people as their race/ethnicity (for example, Blacks, Hispanics, Latinos, Whites, American Indians, etc. The add-on phrase "with a disability," for example, effectively dissociates the disability from the person. Use of the following terms and phrases is correct at the time of writing: What does it mean? Person-first and identity-first language: Developing psychologists' cultural competence using disability language. Personnally, I like . One interesting thing to note is that nearly all of these insulting, offensive terms were once commonly accepted, even clinical descriptions for various disabilities. Political correctness - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia It also groups all parties into one term, despite potential differences in the way they are engaged or interact with a project or activity. Please contact us with any questions or comments at HEGuidingPrinciples@cdc.gov. Hearing-impaired - This term is no longer accepted by most in the community but was at one time preferred, largely because it was viewed as politically correct. The terms used for people with disabilities all too frequently perpetuate stereotypes and false ideas. In it, I was talking about how caring for an elderly man in the advanced stages of Alzheimers helped me to heal. I can tell you that in my childhood and young adulthood I spent a LOT of time and energy being utterly disturbed by what I personally saw and heard, in terms of other peoples response to, understanding of, and interaction with my uncle Christian and other people who may be a little different from average. Published: 2009-01-28 - Updated: 2020-05-03 Author: Disabled World | Contact: www.disabled-world.com Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A Additional References: Disability Awareness Publications Synopsis: Examples and information on the language of disability awareness to make your talks more sensitive, accurate and inclusive . We are carefully taught by one wave of credible activists and diversity consultants to say people with disabilities, only to be told by a later generation of disabled people that this diminishes the experience and meaning of disability, and is in any case awkward and a little condescending. sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or . If the word is okay with YOU, will it be okay with THEM? Like, nervousness about saying something offensive. Change in Terminology: "Mental Retardation" to "Intellectual Disability" We are still friends. Dunn, D. S. (2015). The term "hearing impaired" was supposed to be the politically correct term to be used when referring to all deaf and hard of hearing people in a collective sense. And that is, But my daughter cannot speak, so I have no way of knowing her preferences. He is currently editor-in-chief of the Oxford Bibliographies (OB): Psychology and a member of Board of the Foundation for Rehabilitation Psychology. Do not use underserved when you really mean disproportionately affected. The term "mental retardation" is finally being eliminated from the international classifications of diseases and disorders.