Common Courtesies with language


Here are a few other common courtesies and things to know:
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  • Use the word "disability," because "special needs," "handicapped," "differently abled" and other terms don't really "say it like it is" and often seem like euphemisms implying disability is an inherently bad thing or something that shouldn't be discussed.
  • Deaf Sign Language users have their own preferences for language, because they also have their own language (American Sign Language) that actually resembles French more than English.  People who use ASL prefer to be called "Deaf" (with a capital "D").  The word "deaf" with a lowercase "d" is for deaf people who do not sign, or when talking about deafness as a medical condition.  "Hard of hearing" is for people who have some hearing loss, but are not deaf and do not use ASL.

  • Avoid the "R Word." The word "retard" is a derogatory term and it has no positive meanings.  A disability shouldn't be used as a slur.  People used to use the term "mental retardation," but now even medical professionals use the term "intellectual disabilities."

​Each person with a disability will have their own preferences about what to be called.  While this may appear to be a DEIA or politically correct issue, it's actually just common sense and good manners.  Think about the worst insult people could use to describe you, and you'll begin to understand how disabled people feel when someone deliberately uses insulting or offensive language.  Of course, if you aren't certain or you don't know better, it's ok to apologize and say that.  After all, that's just good manners, too!

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​There are more resources about language in the Resources section
of this training.