Generally, use the same terms and language when speaking to disabled voters as you would with anyone else. There are some terms, however, that are considered insensitive and/or offensive. Here are some points to remember.
- Don’t describe interactions with words like crazy, insane, slow, or stupid.
- People should not be described as suffering, victims, or confined.
- Terms like retarded, handicapped, and crippled are not appropriate and offensive.
Also, don’t draw unneeded attention to a voter’s disability. The following examples show the difference between language focusing on disability rather than the person.
Do: Would you assist the man using a wheelchair at the door?
Don’t: The man sitting in the wheelchair can’t open the door. He needs help.
Do: The woman in the red jacket with a guide dog has some questions.
Don’t: See that blind woman over there (pointing). She can’t vote by herself.
Best Practice: Use language that is polite, friendly, matter-of-fact, and does not focus on disability or attribute interactions to disability.
People-First & Identity-First Language
People-first language focuses on the person rather than the disability.
Identity-first language recognizes that disability is simply a part of a person’s overall identity. Many people with disabilities prefer the shift to identify-first language, which uses direct descriptions.
Both identity-first and people-first terminology are acceptable. Use the language that best reflects your constituents’ preferences.
People-First
Person with autism.
Person who is deaf.
Person who uses a wheelchair.
Identity-First
Autistic person.
Deaf person.
Wheelchair user.