How Well Do You Know The Language Of Disability?

1. 5. Which is the correct term?

Wheelchair bound

Confined to a wheelchair

Wheelchair user

"Wheelchair-bound" and "confined" are very limiting words that gives a negative connotation that a person using a wheelchair cannot do anything productive anymore. Quite the contrary, a wheelchair user can be independent and empowered given the right accessible environment.

Explanation

"Wheelchair-bound" and "confined" are very limiting words that gives a negative connotation that a person using a wheelchair cannot do anything productive anymore. Quite the contrary, a wheelchair user can be independent and empowered given the right accessible environment.

2. When is it OK to use the term "handicapped?"

If the person gave you permission to use it

If you hear other people using it

Never

"Handicap" or "handicapped" should be avoided in describing a person but are appropriate when citing laws, regulations, places or things, such as “handicapped parking.”

Explanation

"Handicap" or "handicapped" should be avoided in describing a person but are appropriate when citing laws, regulations, places or things, such as “handicapped parking.”

3. Which is the preferred sentence?

"Paul is deaf and dumb."

"Jennifer has muscular dystrophy."

"Andrea suffers from mental illness."

"Richard is a victim of blindness."

"Stricken with," "suffers from" and "victim of" should all be avoided, as these terms carry the assumption that a person with a disability is suffering or living a reduced quality of life. Not every person with a disability “suffers,” is a “victim” or is “stricken.” It is preferable to use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability, simply stating the facts about the nature of the disability.

Explanation

"Stricken with," "suffers from" and "victim of" should all be avoided, as these terms carry the assumption that a person with a disability is suffering or living a reduced quality of life. Not every person with a disability “suffers,” is a “victim” or is “stricken.” It is preferable to use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability, simply stating the facts about the nature of the disability.

4. Which is the preferred term?

Midget

Dwarf

Little Person

These words refer to people of short stature and have come into common use since the founding of the Little People of America organization.Proponents support a move away from the medical terminology of “dwarf” and “midget.” When writing about people of short stature, it is best to ask the person which term is suitable. Also consider using the term "short stature."

Explanation

These words refer to people of short stature and have come into common use since the founding of the Little People of America organization.Proponents support a move away from the medical terminology of “dwarf” and “midget.” When writing about people of short stature, it is best to ask the person which term is suitable. Also consider using the term "short stature."

5. Which syndrome is correct?

Down's Syndome

Down Syndrome

Tourette's Syndrome

Not “Down’s Syndrome” for the genetic, chromosomal disorder first reported in 1866 by Dr. J. Langdon Down. The preferred term is “a person with Down syndrome,” as opposed to “Down syndrome child.” Tourette Syndrome is also not possessive.

Explanation

Not “Down’s Syndrome” for the genetic, chromosomal disorder first reported in 1866 by Dr. J. Langdon Down. The preferred term is “a person with Down syndrome,” as opposed to “Down syndrome child.” Tourette Syndrome is also not possessive.