People First Language Vocabulary
(links will open in a new window)
Don't use
Disabled, handicapped, wheelchair bound, retarded, crippled, impaired, deaf/dumb, psycho
Do use
• A person with a disability
• A person who uses a wheelchair
• A person who has cognitive disabilities
• A person who is unable to walk
• A person who is hard of hearing
• A person who has schizophrenia
People First Language Handout (PDF)
The following gives some examples of how to change to a People First point of view for our clients, customers or residents. Instead of using a word or phrase to label a person, it is preferred to state the specific behavior or disability. For example, “Jason is wheelchair-bound” would be changed to “Jason is unable to walk and uses a wheelchair.” This states the specific behavior and disability as a matter of fact and nothing more.