Language about People with Disabilities

Wondering what sort of language is appropriate when referring to people with disabilities? How do you avoid the we-they language that is common when nondisabled people talk about people with disabilities? How should a bulletin announcement be worded when announcing the birth of a child who has Down Syndrome? In the same way that the n-word is totally inappropriate to refer to African-Americans, some words and phrases are no-nos when talking about people with disabilities. What are they? Since the word "handicapped" should no longer be used, how should one refer to "Handicapped Parking"? This resource lists a host of articles on disability and language on a website founded by disability advocate Kathie Snow.

Comments

jhowe's picture
Thanks for this link, Mark. I found the one-page sheet on "People First Language" very helpful.
mstephenson's picture
You're welcome. Anyone who uses language in a public way, whether writing, speaking, preaching, or whatever, should use people first language since it gives the most dignity to God's image-bearers who live with disabilities.
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