Words with Dignity

 Property of the disABILITIES Awareness Program of The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre 

 
Words with Dignity

People with a disability should be described in words and expressions that portray them with dignity.

Instead of... Disabled, handicapped, crippled

Use... Person(s) with a disability.

Instead of... Crippled by, afflicted with, suffering from, victim of, deformed

Use... Person who has...or, Person with...

Instead of... Lame

Use..., Person who is mobility impaired.

Instead of... Confined, bound, restricted to or dependent on a wheelchair

Use... Person who uses a wheelchair

Instead of... Deaf and dumb, deaf mute, hearing impaired

Use... Person who is deaf, hard of hearing

Instead of... Retarded, mentally retarded

Use... Person with Person with a developmental disability

Instead of... Spastic (as a noun),

Use... Person who has spasms

Instead of... Physically challenged

Use... Person with a physical disability

Instead of... Mental patient, mentally ill, mental, insane

Use... Person with a mental illness, Person who has schizophrenia, Person with...

Instead of... Learning disabled, learning difficulty –

Use... Person with a learning disability

Instead of... Blind (the), visually impaired (the)

Use...  Persons who are visually impaired, blind

Instead of... Disabled sport Sport for athletes with disabilities

Use...  Sport for athletes with disabilities

Instead of... Disabled/handicapped parking

Use... Accessible parking

Source: “A Way with Words and Images”, Social Development Canada 

In general, remember...

 Describe the person, not the disability; the person is not their diagnosis or disability

 Refer to a person’s disability only when it is relevant

 Avoid images and words designed to evoke pity or guilt

 If you want to help, ASK permission first, then LISTEN! Not everyone wants or needs your help.

 Recognize that persons with disabilities are exactly that - people (first) who happen to have a disability

 Treat persons with disabilities with respect, honest and sensitivity, as you would anyone else