ACCEPTABLE TERMS

DISABLED PEOPLE
This is acceptable because one can understand from it that we are disabled by society.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Some people prefer this because it emphasis’s that, first and foremost, we are human beings and should be treated as such.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY IMPAIRMENT
This is used to refer to a condition, rather than the above which are about the social context.

PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
A phrase that can be used for any disabled person.

SERVICE USER
A phrase that can be used for any disabled person who uses a voluntary or statutory service, rather than ‘client’.

WHEELCHAIR-USER
These are accurate descriptions, not value judgments.

PERSON IN A WHEELCHAIR
A more factual term.

ESSENTIAL WHEELCHAIR-USER
A small proportion of wheelchair-users cannot transfer onto other seating.

DISABLING CONDITION
This is an accurate description, not a value judgment.

A PAINFUL BACK / DAMAGED EYE / PARALYSED ARM ETC.
These are accurate descriptions, not value judgments.

PEOPLE OF SHORT STATURE OR RESTRICTED GROWTH
This is a more factual description.

PERSON WITH CEREBRAL PALSY / CP
This is the phrase now used instead of ‘Spastic’.

SPINAL CURVATURE
This is preferred to ‘Hunchback’.

DEAF
People with a high degree of deafness usually like to be called deaf. They feel there is no stigma attached to it and they are proud to be who they are.

HEARING IMPAIRED
Some people, particularly those who are not completely deaf, prefer this phrase.

HARD OF HEARING
This is acceptable, particularly to older people with hearing loss.

BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED
These are acceptable terms. Don’t forget that many blind people, though registered blind, do have some limited sight.

AN ACCESSIBLE TOILET OR TOILET FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
This is the proper description for a toilet specifically built / adapted for use by disabled people.