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Abilities

A person’s abilities are just one aspect of their identity. Only mention an ability or disability if it is relevant to the context. When doing so, use neutral, person-first language that emphasizes the individual, not the condition.

Person-first language

Use a person with or a person who has rather than labels.
  • Example: A person with epilepsy, not an epileptic.
  • Example: A person who is deaf, not a deaf person.

Avoid generalizing or grouping people

  • Do not use broad terms like the blind, the disabled. Instead, focus on the individual.
    • Example: A person with vision loss, not the blind.

Avoid negative or stigmatizing language

  • Do not use terms that imply suffering, affliction, or limitation.
    • Examples:
      • A person who had a stroke, not a stroke victim.
      • A person who uses a wheelchair, not confined to a wheelchair or wheelchair-bound.
      • Epileptic seizure, not epileptic fit.
      • Mental illness, not mentally disturbed.
      • Someone with a mental illness, not someone who suffers from a mental illness.

Avoid terms that imply self-infliction

  • The word impaired can carry a negative connotation (e.g. impaired driver). Find alternatives when possible.
    • Example: A person with hearing loss, not hearing-impaired.