Learning a new Language
Words are powerful! Words reflect our feelings and thoughts. When speaking about a person with a disability, always put the person first and stress people’s abilities. It is not about political correctness; it is about communicating respect and dignity.
| Say . . . | Instead of . . . |
|---|---|
| Person with a disability | The handicapped or the disabled |
| Tom has autism | He's autistic |
| Sarah is a little person | She's a dwarf/midget |
| Jim uses a wheelchair | He's wheelchair bound |
| She needs . . . | She has special needs |
| Kids without disabilities | Normal/typical kids |
Visit Disability is Natural for more information on person-first language.