An essay on proper language, speaking to or reffering to people with disabilitys

Proper Language Words like "handicapped," "wheelchairbound" and "polio victim" may sound neutral or sympathetic, but people with disabilities find them patronizing and offensive. The language people and news organizations use can reinforce negative stereotypes and misconceptions. Or, they can help change attitudes toward people with disabilities by describing them and their conditions accurately. Below are six general rules for writing or talking about people with disabilities, followed by tips on interacting and a short glossary …

…disturbed............behavior disordered epileptic.........................has epilepsy former mental patient.............mentally restored handicapped.......................disabled, disability handicapped accessible............accessible to people with disabilities, fully accessible hunchbacked.......................has a spinal curvature insane. deranged. deviant.........has a mental impairment lame..............................walks with a limp, uses crutches midget, dwarf.....................short-statured or little person Mongoloid idiot...................Down syndrome normal............................non-disabled, able-bodied paralytic, arthritic..............is paralyzed, has arthritis retarded..........................cognitive disability, developmentally disabled wheelchair-bound or confined to a wheelchair..........uses a wheelchair