A guide to writing about people with disabilities

DISABILITIES Only refer to a disability when it has direct relevance to the subject. Use "People-first" language when noting a disability. (See the Tennessee Disability Coalition Brochure "Talking About Disability" or the MCIL website http://www.mcil.org/mcil/mcil/talking.htm). Wrong: A disabled person. The disabled. Correct: A person with a disability. People with disabilities. Since "disabled" is an adjective, it is important to avoid ridiculous - and improper - constructions such as "disabled group" or "disabled transportation." Instead, it is more accurate to build phrases using the word "disability." For example, "disability activist," or "disability community," are correct and not contradictions to the "people first" idea. Do not sensationalize a disability by avoiding "suffers from," "a victim of," or "afflicted with." Never use "invalid" or "handicap" to refer to people (Substitute the more accurate adjective "accessible" when referring to "handicapped parking" or "handicapped seating." Do not refer to people with disabilities as "patients." Do not portray people with disabilities as overly courageous, brave, special or superhuman because of their disability. Do not use "normal" to describe people who do not have disabilities. Disability is a common part of life and should not be depicted as abnormal. When referring to nondisabled people, use people without disabilities or typical persons in making comparisons.  Never use "confined to a wheelchair," or "wheelchair-bound." Most often wheelchairs provide mobility and freedom that otherwise would be denied. Do not use "home-bound" to describe a disability because it is often inaccurate and sensationalizing. Furthermore, "home-bound" is a Medicare determination that MCIL does not make professional judgments. Updating language is preferred. For example, the original language of the 1988 Fair Housing Amendments Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and handicap. MCIL printed or published material should update that sentence to read "… religion, sex, familial status and disability." Language should not be updated in quoted material without the approval of the author. (Note that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that enforces the Fair Housing Act updates that sentence in printed material). The Memphis Center for Independent Living promotes accurate language and discourages "politically correct language." Terms such as "physically challenged," "differently abled," and "handi-capable," are euphemisms for disability that are often vague and inaccurate. These terms may be seen as patronizing to the individuals they describe. Avoid explanations of people with disabilities "overcoming" a disability or achievements "in spit of a disability." People with disabilities do not succeed in spite of their disabilities as much as they succeed in spite of an inaccessible and discriminatory society, overcoming prejudice, intolerance and bigotry. Read more about etiquette concerning disabilities Lean more about talking about a disability -Tim Wheat