Words Have Power

Sometimes we are unaware of the biases or negative attitudes expressed in the words we use.

The following are general guidelines to keep in mind...

Remember, the person is not the condition.  Keep your emphasis on the person.

For example:

    Do Say:  "People with disabilities."  or  "A person with epilepsy."

    Avoid:     "The disabled."  or  "An epileptic."

Avoid derogatory words like victim, suffers from, and afflicted by.  Instead, use terms that are objective.

For example:

    Do Say:    "John has cerebral palsy."  or  "A woman with muscular dystrophy."

    Avoid:      "John is a cerebral palsy victim."  or  "A woman who suffers from muscular dystrophy."

When referring to someone who uses a wheelchair, avoid using terms like confined or wheelchair-bound.

For example:

    Do Say:    "Mary uses a wheelchair."

    Avoid:      "Mary is confined to a wheelchair."