Listed below are examples of negative, stereotypical, and sometimes offensive words and expressions. Also listed are examples of preferred language, which describes without implying a negative judgment. Even though their connotations may change with time, the rationale behind use of these expressions provides a basis for language reevaluation.
The specific recommendations are not intended to be all-inclusive. The basic principles, however, apply in the formulation of all nonhandicapping language.
Comment: Preferred expressions avoid the implication that the person as a whole is disabled or defective.
| Problematic | Preferred |
|---|---|
| disabled person | person with (who has) a disability |
| defective child | child with a congenital disability; child with a birth impairment |
| mentally ill person | person with mental illness or psychiatric disability |
Comment: Because the person is not the disability, the two concepts should be separate.
| Problematic | Preferred |
|---|---|
| schizophrenics | people who have schizophrenia |
| epileptics | individuals with epilepsy |
| amputee | person with an amputation |
| paraplegics | individuals with paraplegia |
| the disabled | people with disabilities |
| the retarded | children with mental retardation |
| the mentally ill | people with a mental illness or psychiatric disability |
| the CMI or SPMI | people with long-term or serious and persistent mental illness or psychiatric disabilities |
Comment: These names imply that a person is sick or under a doctor's care. People with disabilities should not be referred to as patients or invalids unless the illness status (if any) is under discussion or unless they are currently residing in a hospital.
Comment: Preferred expressions limit the scope of the disability. Even if a person has a particular physical disability, this does not mean that the person is unable to do all physical activities. Similarly, a child with a learning disability does not have difficulty in all areas of learning nor does mental retardation imply retardation in all aspects of development. Chronicity in physical illness often implies a permanent situation, but persons with psychiatric disabilities are able to recover.
| Problematic | Preferred |
|---|---|
| the physically disabled | individuals with a physical disability |
| the learning disabled | children with specific learning disabilities |
| retarded adult | adult with mental retardation |
| chronic mental illness | long-term or persistent mental illness or psychiatric disability |
Comment: Objectionable expressions have excessive, negative overtones and suggest continued helplessness.
| Problematic | Preferred |
|---|---|
| stroke victim | individual who had a stroke |
| afflicted with cerebral palsy | person with cerebral palsy |
| suffering from multiple sclerosis | people who have multiple sclerosis |
Comment: The person is not confined to a wheelchair but uses it for mobility; a person is not homebound who is taught or who works at home.
| Problematic | Preferred |
|---|---|
| confined to a wheelchair | uses a wheelchair |
| homebound | child who is taught at home |
| Problematic | Preferred |
|---|---|
| cripple | person who has a limp |
| deformed | person with a shortened arm |
| mongoloid | child with Down Syndrome |
| crazy, paranoid | person with symptoms of mental illness |
Comment: In many instances, persons with disabilities are not given opportunities to participate in decisions regarding the services or supports they will receive as part of a treatment or rehabilitation program. Instead, they are viewed as requiring "management" as patients or cases, rather than as individuals with goals and preferences that should be taken into account.
| Problematic | Preferred |
|---|---|
| placement | discussion of suitable and preferred living arrangements |
| professional judgment | include a consideration of a person's goals and preferences |
| patient management, case management | care coordination, supportive services, resource coordination, assistance |
Comment: Discussions regarding the service needs of persons with disabilities and their families often use terms that define the individual as a burden or a problem. Instead, terms that reflect the special needs of these persons are preferable, with a clear recognition of the responsibility of communities for inclusion and support of persons with disabilities.
| Problematic | Preferred |
|---|---|
| family burden | family supports needs |
| problem of mental illness or of the mentally ill | challenges that people with psychiatric disabilities face |
| community support needs of individuals | responsibilities of communities for inclusion and support |