This is a space for talking about - or "unpacking" disability - trying to better understand this huge word that is also a culture, an experience, a movement. Whenever possible, describe specific groups and/or individuals with interest in an activity using relevant names, categories, or descriptions of the nature of their influence or involvement (for example, advisors, consultants, co-owners). News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Now that we know the distinction between disability and handicap, how do we refer people who have disabilities? One reasonable possibility is to use person-first and identity-first language interchangeably unless or until you know that in a given situation one is clearly preferred. Dunn is the author or editor of 29 books and over 150 journal articles, chapters and book reviews. 4. What is the politically correct term for the disabled? It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. She earned her BS in psychology from Michigan State University, and her PsyD in clinical psychology from Wright State University, in Dayton, Ohio. People with lower socioeconomic status should only be used when SES is defined (for example, when income, education, parental education, and occupation are used as a measure of SES). "They are two distinct things. 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. For example, the National Federation for the Blind has long advocated for identity-firstlanguage, preferring "blind person" over the person-firstconstructions like "individual with blindness" or "person who is blind." They are not necessarily more politically correct., More Appropriate: a person has a physical, sensory or mental disability, Less Appropriate: inspirational, courageous. Andrews has presented and published nationally on a wide range of disability topics. Comment: Terms are demeaning. Saying disabled is fine; person with a disability is fine too, but see how the person wants to be referred to as. (2010). Its also an understandable but ultimately wrongheaded effort to promote equality not by elevating disabled people, but in a sense trying to deny the reality of disability as a meaningful concept or experience. Considering using terms that are inclusive of all gender identities (for example parents-to-be; expectant parents). A already noted, the power to define how we talk about ourselves is crucial in deciding which terms and language constructions should and shouldnt be used. Identity-first language promotes use of phrases like "amputee," "diabetic" and "disabled person" (but not "victim" or similar negative words) where disability identity comes first. CDC twenty four seven. "Blind" means unable to see, sightless, lacking the sense of sight. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Race and Ethnic Standards for Federal Statistics and Administrative Reporting, Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, People/persons who are incarcerated or detained (often used for shorter jail stays, for youth in detention facilitiesor for other persons awaiting immigration proceedingsin detention facilities), Persons detained by or under the custody of (specify agency) (for example, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] or other agencies), Confined to a wheelchair or wheelchair-bound, People who are deaf or hard of hearing or who are blind or have low vision, People with an intellectual or developmental disability, People who use a wheelchair or mobility device. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Lists. Respect disabled peoples actual language preferences. Its a word used with pride. That doesnt mean every adult from those communities, just like not every adult with Down syndrome is asking you to quit saying the r-word; but enough of them, the majority of them, identify as having adisability, not aspecial need. He is currently editor-in-chief of the Oxford Bibliographies (OB): Psychology and a member of Board of the Foundation for Rehabilitation Psychology. A word reclaimed. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. My oldest childhood friend is a person with a disability. So, what do you do? Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. They are somebody's son, somebody's daughter. Stutterer, tongue-tied ; Person with a speech impairment, who has a speech . 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. Note: Underserved relates to limited access to services that are accessible, acceptable, and affordable, including healthcare. When talking about people without disabilities, it is okay to say "people without disabilities." For now, because I am not disabled, I am going to follow their lead, as we all should do. Use as a descriptive noun or adjective, such as person living with AIDS, woman who is blind. What term do we use for disabled person *? The term is increasingly used in a way where it implies someone is dangerous or devious, she said. The new term to say instead of Special Needs. Indeed, adopting an identity-firstapproach instead of a person-first approach is a way to counter the criticism that the latter can occasionally imply that there is something inherently negative about disability. I myself have been one of those that have been upset. However, conscious thought about what we say, and when we say it . Even U.S. law has changed from using the term "mental retardation" to the term "intellectual disability." Just Politically Correct? As a Deaf person with Parkinsons and the father of two sons with Autism, I thank you for this well-thought out and written article. Such undue praise can marginalize, isolate, or unduly glorify what is a medical fact or quality that is but one part of the individual's experience. And yet they have always carried the assumed prejudices of those times towards the people those terms represented. Some use words to unify the diverse disability community, while others strive for specificity and ever finer distinctions between different disabilities and communities. disability, speech disorder, or communication disability ; CP victim, spastic . One approach encourages a degree of positive emotionalism and persuasion to be built into disability language. These are all terms which should never be used in conversation, and there would be little loss in communication if we did just stop using them except for historical or explanatory purposes (like their appearance in this article). A few highlights of the document: Put the person first. Its evolving. The following is a list of preferred, politically correct terms for students with disabilities: You are a real hero!") In the UK, for instance, they prefer the phrase "disabled people". As a result, a less charged term is more apt. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. How he will access them is different. sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or . I am sure that if you combed through every single blog post, youll find phrases that are ableist. Questions like these are important, particularly because disability represents a form of diversity, similar to one's gender, race, ethnicity, social class, religion and so on. In regards to accessible facilities: Acceptable: accessible toilets/parking, parking for blue or orange badge holders. Other terms, tribal communities/populations or indigenous communities/populations, could also be used to refer to groups with multiple tribal affiliations. Here are a few tips to sort through the competing schools of thought on disability language, and ride the various waves of popularity and revision that disability language goes through. Certainly not by non-disabled people. They're not strangers. For example, a statement comparing parents with parents of color implies that White parents are the norm against which others (parents of color) are compared. When in doubt, then, the wisest and kindest choice is simply to ask people about their preferences. They are individuals who can do some things and cant do other things. Calling my son anything else does not make him any less disabled. What is the politically correct term for special needs. Yet many well-meaning, but misinformed, people persist in referring to us as "hearing impaired.". But just like those derogatory words, the term "retardation" has become an insult, along with . Disabled people prefer this. Why? That is, its person-first language a person with a disability until the person sees disability as an identity, then it becomes identify first. Debilitated. It should be noted however, that the same terminology does not necessarily apply in other countries. As a nephew of a Downs uncle (whom I am proudly named after), and an enthusiastic supporter of the community, long-time S.O. 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. What words should we use to refer to people with disabilities? Identity First using person with a disability or disabled person. Its a debate largely within the disability community that is about evenly divided and in transition. In itself, its not a negative or a positive necessarily in terms of describing the person or experience, but something which combines with everything else to make you, YOU. Because many people have asked me if its still politically correct to use the term special needs, and what to say instead. 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. A disability is any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or effectively interact with the world around them (socially or materially). Humanizingphrases emphasize the person even if the adjective of the disability is included. Consider using the terms sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. By coming up with all kinds of phrases and words to avoid saying disabled/disability inherently implies that those words are so negative, they just shouldnt be said. I am a disabled person. This is where Ive come to, but if you look back through my blog, youll see a few years ago I was a very different person. Otherwise, identify persons or groups by their specific tribal affiliation. Don't use: "Schizophrenic, psychotic, disturbed, crazy or insane". Term no longer in use: the handicapped. One of the most commonly stated goals of political correctness is the elimination of verbal discrimination and negative stereotyping. Meriah, thank you for capturing and describing the angst of so many of us who wish to be sensitive in todays turbulent social bullying environment! Frankly, that answer sounds a bit politically correct. However, conscious thought about what we say, and when we say it, may help to more positively reshape how we communicate about disability in society. The National Association of the Deaf supports these terms, and they are used by most organizations involved with the Deaf community. More Appropriate: Sam has epilepsy, Tony has cerebral palsy (CP), Helen has a learning disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Less Appropriate: special, person has special needs, Comment: Term is patronizing and distancing by those with disabilities. Stay tuned. Some people say that using different terms to refer to people gives in to a movement to be politically correct. I couldnt agree with her more. Comment: People LIVE with a disability, they have to overcome attitudinal, social, architectural, educational, transportation and employment barriers. Stakeholders are persons or groups who have an interest or concern in a project, activity, or course of action. What is the politically correct term for learning disability? The social psychology of disability. (Sorry, the link I had is no longer valid and I cannot find it). . There are a dozen ways to analyze and justify or criticize this intellectually, but its also just the way things work with people who are marginalized or oppressed. Jamie Davis Smith also echoes my sentiments, which apply to this issue and the People First Language issue. The following provides some preferred terms for select population groups; these terms attempt to represent an ongoing shift toward non-stigmatizing language. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Ive been a person with a disability for most of my life, and a member of the Down syndrome community (thanks to my daughter!) Term Now Used: disabled person, person with a disability. From actual disabled people. No. Background: The Oxford English dictionary defines an invalid as . Here's why you shouldn't use them, and what to say instead. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. 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. Some writers and scholars from the field known as disability studies, as well as advocates and activists from disability culture, prefer what is known as identity-first language for disability. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Terms like "differently abled" do more harm than good. The term stakeholder is used across many disciplines to reflect different levels of input or investment in projects or activities. "Person with a Disability" is a more inclusive, less biased term to describe someone who is disabled . Dunn, D. S. (2015). We choose the words we want to use for ourselves, not others! However, different people prefer different terminology. If you want to hear me reading this, just click the link below. Shouldnt he have the right to enter every door that I enter, without a hassle? But its widespread use as a generic term for a set of common experiences and social positions make these terms as close to value neutral as can be possible, and therefore useful in the much more achievable goals of accurate identification, equality, and basic respect. Not everyone will agree on everything but there is general agreement on some basic guidelines. Michelle Swan. Wheelchair users may not view themselves as confined to a wheelchair try thinking of it as a mobility aid instead. 23) warns that "the word special in relationship to those with disabilities is now widely considered offensive because it euphemistically stigmatizes" persons with disabilities. But my guess is that within the next few years, this term will fade away. Normally, I would never say that I am the deaf girl, I always use my name. Comment: One commenter observed that there are "many gradations" in the type or severity of intellectual disabilities, which the term "intellectual disability" could encompass. There are nouniversal agreed-upon guidelines. Person-first language puts the person before the disability, using phrases like "person with a disability" or "person with autism" instead of "disabled person" or "autistic person." Advocates of this approach state that it focuses on the person who is affected by the condition instead of the condition itself; the first words you . Being disabled is not a tragedy; how society treats disabled people is the tragedy. Accessible parking, parking for people with disabilities . Now I recognize that those tough times made me a stronger more compassionate person. Despite my best efforts and intentions, I still am only a parent and not a disabled person. Yet others adamantly refuse to use "handicap." Heck, many hate "disability" and prefer the politically correct phrase "differently-abled." 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 . for over a decade. More Appropriate: Sue has arthritis, diabetes, paralyzed, has paralysis in her legs, Less Appropriate: Bob is afflicted with, stricken with, suffers from, a victim of polio, spinal cord injury, AIDS. In daily life, how should we talk about disability? 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. Theres nothing wrong with trying to avoid offending others. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. The commenter was concerned that blanket use of the new term by various entities . His scholarship examines teaching, learning and liberal education, as well as the social psychology of disability. I also know that there are people who disagree with me, and thats ok too. It makes the solutions seem like a favor. Is that person over there going to jump on me? - Father Joe Carroll. The current terms in use by the deaf community today are deaf and hard of hearing. 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. And others need to recognize the limits of their power to regulate this practice. I was at an event yesterday, and some stewards were helping me up a hill. 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. Refugees who leave their homes may be entitled to a range of legal protections and aid to which migrants are not entitled. Members of Deaf culture want their label to be capitalized with a "D," which is a means for establishing unity and community. . With that in mind, some basic guidelines for politically correct and the disabled: Meriah Nichols is a counselor. any physical or mental defect, congenital or acquired, preventing or restricting a person from . Note: Tribes, American Indian and Alaska Native urban communities, and federal agencies define AI/AN Elders aged 55 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Dunn also blogs regularly for Psychology Today's "Head of the Class.". Personally I consider "disability" and "handicap" acceptable. Describes that which is different about ANY person as all simply have needs., More Appropriate: (none is needed), accommodations are needed, Less Appropriate: physically challenged, handi-capable, inconvenienced, differently-abled, Comment: To some people, these euphemisms avoid reality and rob people of dignity. Non-U.S.-born or foreign-born persons may also be used to refer to individuals born in a country other than the U.S., similar to the international migrant concept.