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Communication > Disability terminology

Language can be a positive force or it can build negative stereotypes. Here is a list of words and phrases that are to be avoided when referring to disabled persons:

able-bodied
Instead use: non-disabled

autistic, dyslexic, epileptic, etc
Instead use: person with autism, dyslexia, epilepsy, etc

cripple, crippled
Instead use: orthopaedically disabled

deaf and dumb
Instead use: deaf and speech-impaired, hearing and speech impaired

in a wheelchair, confined to a wheelchair, wheelchair-bound
Instead use: wheelchair user, uses a wheelchair

invalid
Instead use: person with disabilities, disabled person

leper
Instead use: person affected by/with leprosy
(NB:someone who shows the signs of leprosy but no longer has the disease is leprosy cured)

mentally handicapped, backward, retarded, slow
Instead use: person/people with learning difficulties

the blind, the deaf
Instead use: blind people, deaf people

victim of, crippled by, suffering from, afflicted by
Instead use: person who has, person with;

visually challenged
Instead use: visually impaired, person with low vision or blind (according to extent of disability)

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