Respectful and non-stigmatizing language
The Center for Disability Rights has developed Disability Writing & Journalism Guidelines that may help you choose language for your written notes and oral case presentations. Note that the terms “impairment” and “patient” are discouraged for the media, but they are appropriate for medical use – rehabilitation specialists distinguish between the impairment in bodily structure and function and disability.
| PREFERRED TERMS | AVOID |
|---|---|
| Disability | Special needs, deficit |
| Disabled, person with disability, PWD | Handicapped, differently abled, physically challenged |
| Wheelchair user | Wheelchair bound. Avoid speedy, speed limit, racer jokes. |
| Person with a developmental or intellectual disability | Delayed, developmental delay, retarded |
| The terms crip, cripple and gimp have been ‘taken back’ by some in the Disability Community | Avoid these terms unless the person self identifies with them |
| Wheelchair accessible | Handicapped accessible |
| Accommodations, modifications | Special needs |
| Deaf or hard of hearing (HoH) | Hearing impaired, deaf and dumb |
| Has (disability) | Suffers from or afflicted with (disability) |
These guidelines also describe the use person-first versus identity first language. Although we have generally recommended the use of person first language in notes and OCPs, this is one situation where you should use identity first language IF that is your patient’s preference. More from the guidelines:
“Many journalists have been taught to use person first language (PFL), because it puts the person first, before the disability. However, an emerging camp of disabled people is making it known they prefer identity first language (IFL), especially those involved in disability activism.
Those who use IFL feel that PFL supports the idea that the disability itself is harmful, so it needs to be ignored or de-emphasized. They believe their disability is a part of their identity, while acknowledging it can sometimes make their life harder, especially due to lack of accessibility and other forms of ableism. Their disability is not something they are ashamed of, and they do not wish to de-emphasize it. Identity first language allows disabled people to acknowledge both the good and bad aspects of having a disability. IFL is still an emerging concept in the United States, although it is preferred in many European countries including England.
On the flip side, those using PFL believe the emphasis is always on their disability, and they are more than that. These individuals do not identify as disabled. They are people first. Certain communities, such as the Down Syndrome community, prefer people first language. Many people working in fields that heavily interact with disabled people, such as social work or physical therapy, have been taught to use person first language, and many parents of disabled children use it, as well. Some insist on using PFL, even to the point of ignoring the wishes of disabled individuals. You should never force language choices on anyone. It is up to each individual to determine how they wish to identify, and that should be respected.”