Positive Language Empowers!
When writing or speaking about or with people with disabilities, it is important to put the person first, not their disability. Emphasize abilities not limitations.
| Affirmative |
Negative |
| Person with a disability |
Handicapped, Disabled |
| Person with Autism |
Autistic |
| Person with a brain injury |
Brain Damaged |
| Burn survivor |
Burn victim |
| Person with a cognitive disability |
Retarded |
| Persons of small stature |
Midget, Dwarf |
| Person who uses a wheelchair |
Wheelchair bound |
| Person with a congenital disability |
Birth Defect |
| Person who is deaf or hard of hearing |
Deaf mute |
| Person with Down Syndrome |
Mongoloid |
| Person living with HIV or AIDS |
AIDS victim |
| Person with a Learning disability |
Slow Learner |
| Person with a Psychiatric disability |
Crazy, Psycho |
| Person with epilepsy |
Epileptic |