Using Data-Based Instruction to Improve the Learning Outcomes of Students Who are Difficult to Teach
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Using Respectful Language

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, passed in 1990, encourages professionals and laypeople alike to use language respectful of the people. This requires thoughtful, conscious choices when we refer to people with disabilities. Longmore and Piastro (1988)* generated a helpful list of phrases that are typically used, along with the underlying reasons why such phrases are objectionable. Instead of perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions about people with disabilities, choosing to use the preferred descriptors will result in demonstrations of respect.

When we "watch our words," we set a good example for our students. Be aware that euphemisms such as "handicapable" and "differently-abled" also patronize and rob people of their dignity. Moreover, comments such as "Isn't it wonderful how he has overcome his disability?" are equally inappropriate! People live with a disability--they have to overcome attitudinal, social, architectural, educational, transportation, and employment barriers. Instead, we are urged to refer to people for who they are, including that they have a disability.

Objectionable Language
Rationale for Objection
Preferred Language
the disabled 
Sees people only in terms of disability; robs individuality by referring to a "category."
people with disabilities
defective
Describes an object; dehumanizes.
people with congenital disability
arthritic patient
Sees person as an object of medical care.
person with arthritis
afflicted with polio
Connotes helplessness, dependency, defeat.
person with polio
confined to a wheelchair
Creates a false impression: wheelchairs liberate; they are mobility tools!
person who uses a wheelchair
cripple, crip
No epithet is more offensive to people with physical disabilities (from Old English "to creep").
person with a physical disability
lame, paraplegic
Demeaning.
person who walks with a cane
person who uses crutches
epileptic
Focuses on the condition not the person.
person with epilepsy
spastic, spazz
Demeaning.
person with cerebral palsy
retard, slow, idiot, 
Mongoloid
Demeaning.
person with mental retardation
person with Down Syndrome
mentally ill
crazy, insane
psycho, nut, maniac
Outdated, stigmatizing.
person with mental disability
person with behavior disorder
person with emotional disability
sightless, four eyes
Inaccurate, demeaning.
person with vision impairment
___

*Longmore, P., & Piastro, D. (1988). Unhandicapping our language. Living with a Disability, P.O. Box 1774, Los Angeles, CA 90078. Provided courtesy of Arizona State University West Disability Resource Center.

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