Here are some basic guidelines for using People First Language from the NDSC:
Put people first, not their disability
- A "person with a disability", not a "disabled person"
- A "child with autism", not an "autistic child"
Use emotionally neutral expressions
- A person "with" cerebral palsy, not "afflicted with" cerebral palsy
- An individual who had a stroke, not a stroke "victim"
- A person "has" Down syndrome, not "suffers from" Down syndrome
Emphasize abilities, not limitations
- A person "uses a wheelchair", not "wheelchair-bound"
- A child "receives special education services", not "in special ed"
Adopt preferred language
- A "cognitive disability" or "intellectual disability" is preferred over "mentally retarded"
- "Typically developing" or "typical" is preferred over "normal"
- "Accessible" parking space or hotel room is preferred over "handicapped"
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