WORDS WITH DIGNITY

People with a disability can and should be described in words and expressions that portray them in an appropriate, positive and sensitive manner. The following guidelines are suggested preferred by some 200 organizations that represent or are associated with Canadians with a disability.

Please remember:

Describe the person, not the disability; refer to a person's disability only when it is relevant. Avoid images designed to evoke pity or guilt.

If in doubt, ask. People with a disability will be more than willing to help you.


ACTIVE
LIVING
ALLIANCE
FOR CANADIANS
WITH A DISABILITY


Instead of :....................Use :

Disabled........................................................Person with a disability

Invalid.........................................................Person with a disability

Crippled by, afflicted with,
suffers from............................................Person who has: or Person with :

Lame....................................................................Limited mobility

Confined, bound restricted
or dependent on a
wheelchair...............................................................Wheelchair user

Normal........................................................Able-bodied or non-disabled

Victim, sufferer..................................................Person with a disability

Cripple...........................................................Person with a disability

Deaf and dumb, deaf mute.................Person with hearing and/or speech ...........................................................impairment; or person who is deaf

Retarded, mentally retarded..............Person with a mental handicap or person with ......................................................................an intellectual disability

Spastic (as a noun)....................................Person with Cerebral Palsy

Deformed, congenital
defect..........................................................A person born with...

Physically challenged........................................Person with a disability

Supported by
Fitness Canada
Government of Canada
Fitness and Amateur Sport

The terms paraplegic, quadraplegic and amputee are used and accepted by persons with those disabilities.


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