Acceptable Affirmative Phrases for Discussing Disabilities

Using affirmative language is the first step in communicating well with people with disabilities, says DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Their examples:

Affirmative Phrases	Negative Phrases
person with an intellectual, cognitive, developmental disability	retarded; mentally defective
person who is blind; person who is visually impaired	the blind
person with a disability	the disabled; handicapped
person who is deaf	the deaf; deaf and dumb
person who is hard of hearing	suffers a hearing loss
person who has multiple sclerosis	afflicted by MS
person with epilepsy; person with a seizure disorder	Epileptic
person who uses a wheelchair	confined or restricted to a wheelchair
person with a physical disability; physically disabled	crippled; lame; deformed
unable to speak; uses synthetic speech	dumb; mute
person with psychiatric disability	crazy; nuts
person who is successful, productive	has overcome his/her disability; is courageous (when it implies the person has courage because of having a disability)

ODEP offers the following advice for communicating with people with disabilities:

General Tips

• When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands. (Shaking hands with the left hand is an acceptable greeting.)


• If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen to or ask for instructions.


• Relax. Don’t be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions such as “See you later,” or “Did you hear about that?” that seem to relate to a person’s disability.


• Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re unsure of what to do.

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Communicating with Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

• Speak to the individual when you approach him or her.


• When conversing in a group, remember to identify yourself and the person to whom you are speaking.


• Tell the individual when you are leaving.


• Do not attempt to lead the individual without first asking; allow the person to hold your arm and control her or his own movements.


• Never touch or distract a service dog without first asking the owner.


• Be descriptive when giving directions; verbally give the person information that is visually obvious to individuals who can see. For example, if you are approaching steps, mention how many steps.


• If you are offering a seat, gently place the individual’s hand on the back or arm of the chair so that the person can locate the seat.

Communicating with Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hearing Impaired

• Gain the person’s attention before starting a conversation (i.e., tap the person gently on the shoulder or arm).


• Look directly at the individual, face the light, speak clearly, in a normal tone of voice, and keep your hands away from your face. Use short, simple sentences. Avoid smoking or chewing gum.

Communicating with Individuals with Mobility Impairments

• If possible, put yourself at the wheelchair user’s eye level.


• Do not lean on a wheelchair or any other assistive device.


• Never patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder.


• Do not assume the individual wants to be pushed—ask first.

Communicating with Individuals with Speech Impairments

• If you do not understand something the individual says, do not pretend that you do. Ask the individual to repeat what he or she said and then repeat it back.


• Try to ask questions that require only short answers or a nod of the head.


• Do not speak for the individual or attempt to finish her or his sentences.


• If you are having difficulty understanding the individual, consider writing as an alternative means of communicating, but first ask the individual if this is acceptable.

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