Here are twelve words often used to describe disabilities. Which of these words do you think are normally considered ok to use and which do you think should be avoided?
- handicapped
- disabled people
- “the disabled”, “the blind”, “the deaf”
- cripple
- people with disabilities
- people with learning difficulties
- mental handicap
- Mongol
- wheelchair user
- confined to a wheelchair
- spastic
- wheelchair-bound
Scroll down to learn the answers
Quiz Answers: How Diversity-Aware is your Language
When we re-examine our choice of words we can see how some words can cause offense.
The following words are generally considered ok to use:
- disabled people
- people with disabilities
- people with learning difficulties
- wheelchair user
These words should be avoided:
- Handicapped – offensive because it suggests dependency and incapacity
- “the disabled”, “the blind”, “the deaf” – Dehumanises people by grouping them solely by their physical condition
- mental handicap – The word ‘mental’ often implies mental illness to people and people with learning difficulties do not have mental health problems as a consequence of their disability.
- confined to a wheelchair, wheelchair-bound – These terms convey helplessness and inspire pity.
- cripple, Mongol, spastic – These terms are completely unacceptable and you should challenge any child using them.
Do
Challenge discrimination in any form; don’t ignore it
Encourage questions and answer them directly
