People First

"People First Language" is not about political correctness - it's about respect. People with disabilities are much more than their disability and should be treated with the same respect as people without disabilities. Refer to the person first then the disability. Say “a person with a disability” rather than “a disabled person.” Here are a few examples:

Say:	Avoid saying:
Jane has a disability.	Jane is handicapped.
Mark uses a wheelchair.	Mark is confined to a wheelchair.
Steve has a mental health condition.	Steve is mentally ill.
Greg has Down Syndrome.	Greg is Down's.
Kim has autism	Kim's autisic
Chris has a physical disability	Chris is crippled

Words to avoid:
abnormal	condition	disfigured	imbecile	moron
pathetic	retard	stricken with	unfortunate	victim

Things to keep in mind:

There is no need to mention a disability if it isn’t relevant to the story or conversation

Don’t feel obligated to act as a caregiver to people with disabilities. Offer assistance, but wait until your offer is accepted before you help. Listen to any instructions the person may have.

Don’t worry if you use common expressions such as “See you later” or “Gotta run.”

For more information visit these websites:

Paraquad

United Cerebral Palsy

Disability is Natural