Words with Dignity

By Using Words with Dignity, We Encourage Equality for Everyone

Other terms which should be avoided because they have negative connotations and tend to evoke pity include:

Abnormal, Burden, Condition, Deformed, Differently abled, Disfigured, Incapacitated, Imbecile, Maimed, Moron, Palsied, Pathetic, Physically challenged, Pitiful, Poor, Spastic, Stricken with, Suffer, Tragedy, Unfortunate

Preferred Terminology

Blind (no visual capability)
Visually impaired (some visual capability)
Deaf/profound deaf (no hearing capability)
Hearing impaired (some hearing capability)
Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body)
Quadriplegia (paralysis of both arms and legs)
Paraplegia (loss of function in lower body only)

To find out how to achieve independence on behalf of persons with disabilities, call PARAQUAD
PARAQUAD – 4475 Castleman, St Louis MI 63110, (314) 776-4475, TDD (314) 766-4415, Fax (314) 776-0775

Disability Etiquette

Basic Guidelines

Make reference to the person first, then the disability. Say “a person with a disability” rather than “a disabled person.” However, the latter is acceptable in the interest of conserving print space or saving announcing time.

The term “handicapped” is derived from the image of a person standing on the corner with a cap in hand, begging for money. People with disabilities do not want to be recipients of charity. They want to participate equally with the rest of the community. A disability is a functional limitation that interferes with a person’s ability to walk, hear, talk, learn, etc. Use handicap to describe a situation or barrier imposed to society, the environment or oneself.

If the disability isn’t germane to the story or conversation, don’t mention it.

Remember – a person who has a disability isn’t necessarily chronically sick or unhealthy. S/he is often just disabled.

Because a person is not a condition, avoid describing a person in such a manner. Don’t present someone as an “epileptic” or “a past polio.” Say instead, “a person with epilepsy” or “person who has had polio.”

Common Courtesies

Don’t feel obligated to act as a caregiver to people with disabilities. It is alright to offer assistance to a person with a disability, but until your offer is accepted BEFORE you help. Listen to instructions the person may give.

Leaning on a person’s wheelchair is similar to leaning or hanging on a person and is usually considered annoying and rude. The chair is a part of one’s body space. Don’t hang on it!

Share the same social courtesies with people with disabilities that you would share with anyone else. If you shake hands with people you meet, offer your hand to everyone you meet, whether or not they are disabled. If the person with a disability is unable to shake your hand, s/he will tell you.

When offering assistance to a person with a visual impairment, allow that person to take you arm. This will enable you to guide, rather than propel or lead the person. Use specific directions, such as “left one hundred fee” or “right two yards,” when directing a person with a visual impairment.

When planning events which involve persons with disabilities, consider their needs before choosing a location. Even if people with disabilities will not attend, select an accessible spot. You wouldn’t think of holding an event where other minorities could not attend, so don’t exclude people with disabilities.

Conversation

When speaking about people with disabilities, emphasize achievements, abilities and individual qualities. Portray them as they are in real life: as parents, employees, business owners, etc.

When talking to a person who has a disability, speak directly to that person, not through a companion.

Relax, don’t be embarrassed if you use common expressions such as, “See you later” or “Gotta run,” that seem to relate to a person’s disability.

To get the attention of a person who has a hearing impairment, tap them on the shoulder or wave. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to establish if they read lips. Not all people with hearing impairments can read lips. Those who do, rely on facial expressions and body language for understanding. Stay in the light and keep food, hands and other objects away from your mouth. Shouting won’t help. Written notes will.

When talking to a person in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, place yourself at eye level with that person. This will spare both of you a sore neck.

When greeting a person with a severe loss of vision, always identify yourself and others. For example say, “on my right is John Smith.” Remember to identify persons to whom you are speaking. Speak in a normal tone of voice and indicate when the conversation is over. Let them know when you move from one place to another.