what is the politically correct term for disabled?

In 2013, Dunn received the American Psychological Foundation's Charles L. Brewer Award for Distinguished Teaching of Psychology. Terms like "differently abled" do more harm than good. A disability is present when activities usually performed by people (such as walking, talking, reading or learning) are in some way restricted. 1. Person-first terminology is used . Being disabled is not a tragedy; how society treats disabled people is the tragedy. Its evolving. As with other marginalized groups, we should know by now that refusing to acknowledge or talk about disability as a real experience doesnt make life better for disabled people. Unacceptable: disability-friendly, disabled toilets/parking. When referring to disability, the American Psychological Association (APA) urges that it is often best to "put the person first." By that I mean they assume that most of the applicants will have access to the curriculum (even if its lousy) and can participate in whatever afterschool programs are offered (even if theres a limited list). Patti, as many of you know, is a passionate blogger. No easy answers. They werent viewed as insults at the time. "Impaired" means weakened, diminished, or damaged. I suggest you read the entire essay. Its not negative. No, theyre not. Your email address will not be published. use a normal tone of voice, don't patronise or talk down; don't be too precious or too politically correct - being super-sensitive to the right and wrong language . Refugee and migrant are often used interchangeably. Some people consider it best to use person-first language, for example "a person with a disability" rather than "a disabled person." [1] For example, do not use refugee if you mean immigrant.. What are politically correct terms? Within context, there shouldnt be any confusion about it referring to the Asian country, India. [/vc_message][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]When I first started my job at UC Berkeley, coordinating a program in conjunction with the state of California, Read More The Gift of a Moment: Understanding Difficult Times and ChoicesContinue, Anyone who says, its just a word is forgetting that the pen is mightier than the sword, forgetting that words wound more deeply than any knife could. I dont know what to say, really, because I know if I tell you something, someone else will be telling you something different. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. You are a real hero!") People who use wheelchairs go for walks and people with visual impairments may be very pleased or not to see you. I think whats important is that we all acknowledge that were on different parts of this journey and have things to learn. Why? Disability is a normal part of human diversity. He earned his BA in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, Penn. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. I learned early on the necessity for kindness. What if you SUCK and just MESS UP and someone catches you and you are proved to be a COMPLETELY INSENSITIVE and HURTFUL HUMAN BEING?!!!!!! The term migrant farmworker or migrant agricultural worker is often used to refer to persons who travel from their home base to another location within the same country, or from one country to another, to perform agricultural work. How about it?! VERY DIFFERENT.. Humanizingphrases emphasize the person even if the adjective of the disability is included. In 1991, the World Federation of the Deaf voted to use the official terms deaf and hard of hearing. 56. Are those needs any different from you or me? Comment: Terms are demeaning and outdated. Alternative words to the term disability are usually efforts to avoid the negative stigma ATTACHED to the word rather than seeing disability as neutral. The keyword here is 'people.'. It happens something like this with the Down syndrome community: Someone famous says something offensive (- usually involving the word, retard), With the greater (cross-disability) community, its more of a matter of never ending-ness. Consider the audience when determining the appropriate term(s) to use. Because my son uses a wheelchair and because quite often we go out in public just the two of us, we often have trouble accessing doors. Do you say none of the words? In the meantime, the best thing for all of us, disabled or not, is to follow these kinds of basic guidelines, listen to disabled people, and relax a little. People use words so much, so, Read More Crip and Gimp: Word ReclaimationContinue, When funders focus on developing youth leadership they are nearly always assuming a nondisabled model. For now, because I am not disabled, I am going to follow their lead, as we all should do. Nothing about disability indicates ability (see. Do not call someone 'brave' or 'heroic' simply for living with a disability. Unhandicap Your Language. For example, use "people with mental illnesses" not "the mentally . Now, it's just a term that you should be staying way the hell away from (see this post) "Disability" is a particular way of seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking, moving, learning, sensing, being. I am sure that if you combed through every single blog post, youll find phrases that are ableist. For example, a statement comparing parents with parents of color implies that White parents are the norm against which others (parents of color) are compared. I had a lot of fun with the gifs. Language in communication products should reflect and speak to the needs of people in the audience of focus. Learn how your comment data is processed. Don't use: "Schizophrenic, psychotic, disturbed, crazy or insane". Heres one for the numbers geeks out there. Despite my best efforts and intentions, I still am only a parent and not a disabled person. Person-first and identity-first language: Developing psychologists' cultural competence using disability language. Yet many well-meaning, but misinformed, people persist in referring to us as "hearing impaired.". Why do we need to remind society that disabled people are capable of doing things? Now that we know the distinction between disability and handicap, how do we refer people who have disabilities? Person-first language puts the person before the disability, using phrases like "person with a disability" or "person with autism" instead of "disabled person" or "autistic person." Advocates of this approach state that it focuses on the person who is affected by the condition instead of the condition itself; the first words you . Avoid phrases like suffers from which suggest discomfort, constant pain and a sense of hopelessness. A PC term for mental retardation is "intellectual disability". I wasn't able to work anymore. Deaf-mute is a term which was used historically to identify a person who was either deaf and used sign language or both deaf and could not speak.The term continues to be used to refer to deaf people who cannot speak an oral language or have some degree of speaking ability, but choose not to speak because of the negative or unwanted attention atypical voices sometimes attract. Note: Underserved relates to limited access to services that are accessible, acceptable, and affordable, including healthcare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Stakeholders are persons or groups who have an interest or concern in a project, activity, or course of action. A philosophical observation: By using the term impaired, society has expanded the meaning of the word, making it less precise. Some groups consider the term people of color as an unnecessary and binary option (people of color vs. White people), and some people do not identify with the term people of color. If you describe one group, use the same type of description for all groups being compared. Members of Deaf culture want their label to be capitalized with a "D," which is a means for establishing unity and community. One of the most commonly stated goals of political correctness is the elimination of verbal discrimination and negative stereotyping. That makes it tricky, you know, for allies to the disabled/Down syndrome parent community. Disabled. IMHO, and not too much of a mouth-ful (as developmentally disabled tends to be). For the purposes of these guidelines, CDC promotes person-first language, but also promotes an awareness that language changes with time and individuals within groups sometimes disagree about the preferred language used to describe themselves. It makes the solutions seem like a favor. volunteer, etc I have a keen interest in this topic, and a lifetime of experience. Using phrases like "person with a disability" and "individual with an amputation" emphasizes the person and not his or her condition. Her scholarship is focused on disability issues in psychology, including social justice in reproduction and parenting, disability as diversity and the prevalence disability in the field of psychology. I occasionally get email from folks, and much of it is condescending and patronizing, telling me to use PFL and stuff. People are individuals and deserve to be mentioned before or instead of their possible disabilities. Say handi-capable instead. For example, the National Federation for the Blind has long advocated for identity-firstlanguage, preferring "blind person" over the person-firstconstructions like "individual with blindness" or "person who is blind." Aim to be factual, descriptive, and simple, not condescending, sentimental, or awkward. However, many deaf people whose first language is BSL consider themselves part of the deaf community they may describe themselves as Deaf, with a capital D, to emphasise their deaf identity. Dana S. Dunn, a professor of psychology at Moravian College, in Bethlehem, Penn. 3. A community. and received his PhD in social psychology from the University of Virginia. It also reflects how some disabled people experience their disabilities, as simply an aspect of themselves, but not something that defines them. As a result, a less charged term is more apt. Emily Ladau of Words I Wheel By had some very prophetic and profound thoughts on this. Do not use disabilities as nouns to refer to people. Other terms, tribal communities/populations or indigenous communities/populations, could also be used to refer to groups with multiple tribal affiliations. Often used by programs providing services and support for disabled people and meant as a positive alternative. Such undue praise can marginalize, isolate, or unduly glorify what is a medical fact or quality that is but one part of the individual's experience. Finally, non-disabled people shouldnt lecture disabled people on correct terminology. Is Special Needs Offensive? Dunn also blogs regularly for Psychology Today's "Head of the Class.". Let's begin by defining some terms. Used as a put-down in most cases. There are a dozen ways to analyze and justify or criticize this intellectually, but its also just the way things work with people who are marginalized or oppressed. Some try to use language to reshape the entire concept of disability, or redefine it out of existence somehow. Totally agree. Similarly, placing people with disabilities on a pedestal ("You are so brave to keep trying despite your disability! And what I have learned is that it is not just okay but preferable in many cases to call a disability a disability and not trying to cover it up with softer language.. As a Deaf person with Parkinsons and the father of two sons with Autism, I thank you for this well-thought out and written article. Political correctness (PC) refers to language that avoids offending persons of various genders, races, sexual orientations, cultures, or social conditions. ), More Appropriate: people with disabilities, deaf people, blind people, persons with a developmental disability, Less Appropriate: Sue is an arthritic, diabetic, paraplegic. Comment: Terms implies mental incapacitation occurs with hearing loss and/or speech impairment. When I was growing up, my parents used to say that the kids that made fun of me didnt have a good excuse for being the way they were and that their condition would be far more difficult to live with as they matured (if they did at all)! First I want to quote another parent like me, who did a similar post almost a year ago. 4. Inaccurate reference; a person is NOT a condition. Why we, as parents should rethink using the term special needs. Be aware that not every family is the same, and that some children are not being raised by their biological parents. Part of an identity. Normally, I would never say that I am the deaf girl, I always use my name. Because many people have asked me if its still politically correct to use the term special needs, and what to say instead. You can review and change the way we collect information below. This is a space for talking about - or "unpacking" disability - trying to better understand this huge word that is also a culture, an experience, a movement. Disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these. In itself, its not a negative or a positive necessarily in terms of describing the person or experience, but something which combines with everything else to make you, YOU. In this case, a wheelchair user is handicapped her mobility through use of her wheelchair is disrupted by the missing ramp. Person with a disability is now referred to as a disabled person. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Its the kind of situation where if you are part of the group you can use it for yourselves, but from other peoples mouths its an insult. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Damaged. Lets try and follow a story arc. Otherwise, identify persons or groups by their specific tribal affiliation. That is, its person-first language a person with a disability until the person sees disability as an identity, then it becomes identify first. Which is the correct term, disability rights or handicapped rights? Most disabled people are comfortable with the words used to describe daily living. The term stakeholder is used across many disciplines to reflect different levels of input or investment in projects or activities. The backlash began in the United States in the early 1990s when conservative intellectuals began to use "political correctness" to criticize the left for imposing their views on . Disability . Use as a descriptive noun or adjective, such as person living with AIDS, woman who is blind. The Gift of a Moment: Understanding Difficult Times and Choices, 4 Ideas for Developing A Strong Leadership Pipeline with Disabled Youth, by Corbett OToole, Sibling Series: Patti Guest Posts in an Interview with her kids. It wasn't a matter of being politically correct, but a matter of common decency. This site strives to "unpack" - or better understand - disability by trying to go deeper into disability thought, culture, opinions and experience through interviews, essays and media. In that post she said, I also want to say that Im just one person, going through my process. When will people realize how precious our Downs community is, and how much they have to teach the rest of us about loving kindness. The Down syndrome community is sick of it, the greater (cross-disability) disability is sick of it, and there we go. I can tell you that in my childhood and young adulthood I spent a LOT of time and energy being utterly disturbed by what I personally saw and heard, in terms of other peoples response to, understanding of, and interaction with my uncle Christian and other people who may be a little different from average. First, what does disability itself mean? I haven't said this since high school when a couple of my peers said to me, "Dude, we're not African. Dumb, mute ; Person who cannot speak, has difficulty speaking, uses synthetic speech, is non-vocal, non-verbal . In practice, this means that instead of referring to a "disabled person," use "person with a disability." I'm a counselor, Hawai'i based global nomad. An impairment may just mean that some things are done in a different way. Latinx has been proposed as a gender-neutral English term, but there is debate around its usage. This post is about the politically correct term for disabled and politically correct term for special needs. They change as disabled peoples understanding of ourselves and our place in society changes, and as our aspirations change as well. For example, consider: People with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Knowing how to sensitively refer to members of diverse groups is also important. But that girl using a wheelchair says gimp or crip. The commenter was concerned that blanket use of the new term by various entities . The correct term is "disability"a person with a disability. What is the politically correct term for the disabled? Not all people who have had a mental or emotional disability have it forever or to the same degree all the time. The term Indian Country describes reservations, lands held within tribal jurisdictions, and areas with American Indian populations. In regards to accessible facilities: Acceptable: accessible toilets/parking, parking for blue or orange badge holders. Im learning. political correctness (PC), term used to refer to language that seems intended to give the least amount of offense, especially when describing groups identified by external markers such as race, gender, culture, or sexual orientation. From actual disabled people. People should be allowed to use terms that mean something to them. While some words/phrases are commonly used by many, including those with disabilities, usage is likely due to habit rather than intentional meaning. Doing so hinders understanding and can even trivialize other, more important qualities possessed by the individual. It can also mean unwilling or unable to perceive or understand. But its widespread use as a generic term for a set of common experiences and social positions make these terms as close to value neutral as can be possible, and therefore useful in the much more achievable goals of accurate identification, equality, and basic respect. They say little about people as individuals and tend to reinforce stereotypes of disabled people as patients or unwell. Im allowed to call myself a spaz. Don't use insensitive terms ("crazy," "insane," "psycho," "nuts," "deranged") to describe someone displaying unusual or violent behaviors, or who may have a mental illness . What is another word for mentally challenged? Instead, use: "Person living with schizophrenia"; "Person experiencing psychosis, disorientation or hallucination". Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. Special needs WAS an educational term, not a disability term. Some groups within the disability community, which is arguably the largest minority group in the U.S., have already established their language preferences. They are somebody's son, somebody's daughter. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. It's a blanket term that refers to anyone who has a physical (or mental) disability. American Indian or Alaska Native should only be used to describe persons with different tribal affiliations or when the tribal affiliations are not known or not known to be the same. If the word is okay with YOU, will it be okay with THEM? Lawrence Carter-Long, who founded the movement called Disabled, Say the Word, says, "The language we use mirrors the ways we think," he says. 4 years ago, I wrote a post calledThe Choice to Suffer. And yes, by law this is their right. Almost no term is as insulting as a non-disabled person patiently or aggressively explaining to a disabled . Rather than using terms such as disabled person, handicapped people, a crippled person, use terms such as people/persons with disabilities, a person with a disability, or a person with a visual impairment. Disabled people needto get access to community transit, theaters, restaurants, swimming pools, shopping malls, and everything else that you and I access without even thinking about it. It's a good idea to follow the AMA Manual of Style's lead with this one. If youre reading this, got this far and are still saying to yourself, Words, schmords, it sounds nicer so who cares? Heres one for you. Michelle Swan. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. The first term handicap refers to an obstacle imposed on people by some constraint in the environment. People with lower socioeconomic status should only be used when SES is defined (for example, when income, education, parental education, and occupation are used as a measure of SES). It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. The National Association of the Deaf supports these terms, and they are used by most organizations involved with the Deaf community. Its the term to use when specific diagnoses are less important than the barriers we all encounter, the social position we all share, the ableism we all face. Traumatic Brain Injury Resources and Blog Posts, Cool Cats: Voices from the Disability Community, International Alliance of Writers for Down Syndrome: The T21 Alliance, The Right Things to Say to Someone with a Chronic Illness, The famous person or situation or whatever apologizes. Neil has to use other words to describe me. for over a decade. *. If your key groups are organizations or people directly involved in the project/activity, use terms that describe the nature of their influence or involvement. Is saying "the disabled" or "disabled people" acceptable, for example? As I am trying to grow and learn about ableism, I have tried to go back and update the particularly cringe-worthy ones. And the weariness easily switches to wariness. Remember that both approaches are designed to respect disabled persons, so both are fine choices. Tribes hold a unique government to government relationship with the United States. Dont call us special needs. Our needs are not special, they are human. When in doubt, then, the wisest and kindest choice is simply to ask people about their preferences. If combining subpopulations in writing, ensure American Indians and Alaska Natives from tribes located in what is now called the United States are not included in the immigrant category. (2010). We recommend using this section as a guide and inspiration to reflect upon word . More Appropriate: walks with a cane, uses crutches, has a disabled/handicapped hand, Less Appropriate: crazy, insane, psycho, nut, maniac, former mental patient. Almost no term is as insulting as a non-disabled person patiently or aggressively explaining to a disabled person why their own way of talking about themselves is wrong. Many people believe that the term "handicapped" was first used in relation to individuals who have disabilities when Civil War veterans whose injuries prevented them from working were begging on the streets with "cap in hand The add-on phrase "with a disability," for example, effectively dissociates the disability from the person. More Appropriate: blind, legally blind, partially sighted, vision impaired, Less Appropriate: deaf and dumb, deaf-mute, dummy. Emphasizes the heart string or telethon-ish perspective. Avoid passive, victim words. Were not doing disabled people a favor by giving them a ramp. thats so awesome/not awesome and YES. They are individuals who can do some things and cant do other things. Emphasizes the medical aspects of a condition instead of the person. She earned her BS in psychology from Michigan State University, and her PsyD in clinical psychology from Wright State University, in Dayton, Ohio. While some words/phrases are commonly used by many, including those with disabilities, usage is likely due to habit rather than intentional meaning. Personally I consider "disability" and "handicap" acceptable. You have rejected additional cookies. I myself have been one of those that have been upset. They are not necessarily more politically correct., More Appropriate: a person has a physical, sensory or mental disability, Less Appropriate: inspirational, courageous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Language in communication products should reflect and speak to the needs of people in the audience of focus. Pay attention to the words adults with disabilities use most often. Persons taking/prescribed medication assisted treatment (MAT), Persons who use drugs/people who inject drugs, Persons in recovery from substance use/alcohol disorder, Persons taking/prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), Underserved people/communities/the underserved, People who are underserved by [specific service/resource], People who are underserved by mental health/behavioral health resources, People who are uninsured/people who are underinsured/people who do not have health insurance, Persons experiencing unstable housing/housing insecurity/persons who are not securely housed, People experiencing unsheltered homelessness, Clients/guests who are accessing homeless services, People/households with incomes below the federal poverty level, People with self-reported income in the lowest income bracket (if income brackets are defined), People experiencing poverty (do not use underserved when meaning low SES).