Terminology and Language Many terms in common
usage by the general public are not acceptable to people with a disability and,
even among people with a disability, there is not always agreement. Some of the more commonly used terms – both
acceptable and unacceptable – are listed below. In the unacceptable case, the preferred alternative is
underlined. Please note that
terminology changes frequently so care needs to be taken in order not to cause
offence. Terms
which are generally acceptable: Disabled People Refers to people experiencing disability in
any way. Hidden
Disability Refers
to an impairment which is not obvious at all times e.g.
epilepsy, diabetes. Learning
Difficulties Sometimes
used in the same way as learning disabilities; but there can be some confusion as the
term learning
difficulties is used in some
quarters to describe anyone who – for whatever reason – learns slowly or with
difficulty. Dyslexia Dyslexia
is often grouped under the same heading as learning difficulties but this can
cause offence. Most people with
dyslexia prefer the term to be used separately. Learning
Disabilities Refers to an
impairment of a function of the brain; with mental disability and learning difficulty, it is commonly used as a preferred
alternative to mental handicap. Mental
Health Needs/Problems Refers to
mental illness; there is some concern that the use
of the word problem can result in the individual being seen as the problem. Non-disabled
Persons Often preferred to able-bodied, as it is neutral and does not claim a
monopoly on ability or fitness. People with a
Disability Used by some as an
alternative to disabled people; by others in preference to it, as it is thought
to put people first. Physical
Disability Refers to
limitation of a physical function; sometimes used as if synonymous with physical
impairment. Sensory
Impairment Refers to
limitation of a sensory function, i.e. hearing, sight, taste, smell, touch;
sometimes called sensory disability. Terms liable to cause offence: confined to a
wheelchair This and similar terms, such as wheelchair
bound, place excessive
emphasis on the wheelchair, to the detriment of the person in the wheelchair. Use wheelchair user. crippled Old-fashioned and derogatory. Use physically impaired or physically
disabled. deaf and dumb Very few hearing
impaired people are physically unable to speak; also the word dumb has come to imply lack of intelligence. Use deaf without speech. epileptic,
diabetic etc Refers to condition not person. Use
person with epilepsy, diabetes etc. the handicapped Unacceptable for
reasons discussed earlier. Use
person with a disability. mad Old-fashioned
and imprecise. Use person with mental health
needs / mental distress. mentally handicapped Unacceptable
for reasons given earlier. Use
person with a learning difficulty. spastic Spasticity
is a precise medical term and should not be used to describe a person. Use person with cerebral palsy. victim of/suffers from Reinforces stereotype of helplessness,
dependency, etc. Use person with … Disability Etiquette Many
problems are the result of ignorance, fear or embarrassment on the part of
non-disabled people. Observing the
following simple rules should help overcome these: §
§
Always look at the person,
not the disability/wheelchair/escort. §
§
Never make assumptions about
what a person’s needs are. Ask the
person concerned, not a third party, about his or her needs; and, when asking,
try not to be negative, e.g. instead of “can’t you do…?” say “do you need help
with …?” §
§
When communicating with
people who have speech impairments, give them time, concentrate on what is
being said and listen to the rhythms of speech. Don’t be afraid to ask for something to be repeated, but try to
resist the temptation to finish the sentence for them. §
§
When communicating with
people who have a hearing impairment, face them and ask them if they lip
read. If yes, speak slowly and clearly;
face them all the time; do not raise your voice; try to avoid covering your
mouth and make sure there is no strong light behind you. §
§
When communicating with a
person through an interpreter or facilitator – whether for reasons of hearing
impairment or other communication need – always address that person, not the
interpreter or facilitator. Do the same
when the answer is being relayed to you. §
§
When talking for some time to
someone who is using a wheelchair, try to ensure that your eye levels
correspond; don’t lean on the wheelchair, as this can be annoying for the user
and cause it to move. §
§
When guiding a blind person,
try not to push or pull the person, ask how he/she wishes to take hold of you;
warn of hazards, steps etc as they occur. Remember: No two people have identical needs. We are all different and our perceptions of
other people vary and are often based on very limited information. Never make assumptions about disability or
the capabilities of individual disabled people. |