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identity-first language

Identity-first language acknowledges disability as a cultural identity that should be embraced and celebrated. Some people refer to themselves as "a disabled person," or "disabled" as an indication that disability is a salient part of their identity.

When appropriate and possible, defer to the person included in the communication as to how they would like to be referred.

• "a blind man" vs. "a man who is blind"

person-first language

Person-first language mentions the person first and then the disability. It is generally the preferred use unless a personal preference is indicated or the subject matter is related to disability culture and justice.

• "a man who is blind" vs. "a blind man"

able-bodied

Never use. Considered offensive when used to describe a person who is disabled. Instead, use the term "non-disabled."

Autism Spectrum Disorder

An umbrella term for a group of developmental disorders that can involve varying degrees of language and social impairments, and repetitive behaviors. It encompasses mild autism and the more classic form.

Autism and autistic are acceptable terms to use.

blind

Describes a person with complete or nearly complete loss of sight. For others, use "person with low vision."

cripple

Never use. Considered offensive when used to describe a person who is disabled.

deaf

Describes a person with a complete or significant hearing loss. For others, use the term "hard of hearing." Generally, use the lowercase deaf when referencing the audiological condition.

• Some people, who became deaf later in life, refer to themselves as "late-deafened."

Deaf

Some people do not consider deafness as a disability, and in these instances, Deaf should be written with a capital "D." Members of this community consider being Deaf as solely a cultural identity and physical difference that is not a disability. Generally, these individuals use sign language as their primary language.

Generally, capitalize Deaf when referring to a particular group of deaf people who share ASL culture.

• Activists within Deaf culture believe the hearing society puts too much pressure on spoken word communication.

deaf-mute, deaf and dumb

Never use. Considered offensive.

disabled

A general term used for a physical, mental, developmental, or intellectual disability.

handicap

Never use. Considered offensive. In lieu of handicap entrance or handicap parking, use accessible entrance or accessible parking.

hearing-impaired

Often considered an offensive term. Only use this when it is an individual preference. Prefer the term "hard of hearing."

learning disabilities

Refers to a number of disorders that may affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding, or use of verbal or nonverbal information. These disorders include, but are not limited to oral language, reading, writing, problem-solving, and social interactions.

If the mention of an individual's learning disability is needed, be as specific as possible:

• John learned he had dyslexia at the age of 7.
• Jane, who has Dyscalculia, became an advocate for ºÚÁÏÉçÇø resources in her local community.

mute

Never use. Prefer the term "non-speaking" to describe a person who cannot speak.

People with Down syndrome

Should always be referred to as people first. Instead of "a Down syndrome person," use "a person with Down syndrome." Never use "Down's person" or describe the condition as "Down's."

Note: Down is always capitalized.

special needs

Never use. The word "special" in relation to those with disabilities is now widely considered offensive. Prefer the terms access needs or disability access needs when required.

Avoid using ableist terms like differently-abled, special needs, specially-abled, or disability. This language derives from a societal belief that disability is negative. The word "disability'' should not be thought of as a negative word.

wheelchair user

A person who uses a wheelchair. Do not use "confined to a wheelchair" or "wheelchair-bound." If a wheelchair is needed, and relevant, say why.