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People with disabilities prefer that the focus be on their
individuality, not on their disability. The preferred term ‘people with
disabilities' stresses the essential humanity of individuals and avoids
being depersonalising.
Some staff may initially feel apprehensive about discussing the details
of a student's disability face to face but good two-way communication is
essential. Language is important in the construction of disability and can
be used in a positive or a negative way. Here are some examples:
Unacceptable:
The handicapped or disabled. 
Acceptable:
People with physical disabilities
Unacceptable:
Suffers from ... Acceptable:
The person has ...
Unacceptable:
Wheelchair bound. Acceptable:
Wheelchair user
Unacceptable:
Crippled, lame. Acceptable:
Has a physical disability
Unacceptable:
Mongoloid. Acceptable:
Has Downs Syndrome.
Unacceptable:
Fit. Acceptable:
Seizure.
Unacceptable:
Mental handicap. Acceptable:
Person with a learning or intellectual disability.
Unacceptable:
Victim. Acceptable:
Person who has ...
Unacceptable:
Epileptic. Acceptable:
Person who has epilepsy.
Unacceptable:
Birth defect. Acceptable:
Congenital disability.
Unacceptable:
Mental patient, psycho, neurotic. Acceptable:
Person with a psychiatric disability.
Unacceptable:
The blind. Acceptable:
Person who is blind.
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