PCDI Guide to Using Inclusive Language

Inclusivity is foundation to equity. Thus, the purpose of the Guide to Using Inclusive Language is to not only suggest appropriate written and spoken language but to offer context as to why and how our language choices impact and are impacted by those around us. It also highlights landmark legislation that both protected and promoted disability rights for all individuals with disabilities.

The guide includes three parts:

  1. What is Inclusive Language? Examples and Descriptions
  2. Audiovisual Content that Highlights Understanding and Allyship
  3. Disability Legislation

Note: This guide is a living document that is neither exhaustive nor unchangeable. PCDI members make every effort to update it as new information is made available. To provide suggestions for page improvement, please contact the PCDI Co-Chairs listed on the PCDI homepage.

What is Inclusive Language? Examples and Descriptions

Because language preferences can vary across different disability communities, the following provides descriptions and suggestions for identity-first and person-first language. While person-first language has been widely promoted for many years and is still often used in formal settings, identity-first language has become prevalent because it does not sever the disability from a person’s identity. We give examples of both identity- and person-first language below, but it is proper etiquette to ask a person what their preference is, which could be identity-first, person-first, or a combination of both. We also provide descriptions and examples of language that is offensive, stigmatized, ableist, and ageist.

Disability-first language emphasizes the disability when discussing or describing someone, rather than placing the person in the context of their disability. People who subscribe to this model feel that disability-first language is more reflective of their lived experiences, as many identify strongly with their disability as part of their identity. Many within the disability community embrace their disability positively, seeing it as part of the diversity of human experience. Examples of disability-first language include:

  • "Disabled person"
  • "Autistic person"
  • "Blind person"
  • "Wheelchair user"

Person-first language prioritizes the person first and their disability second. This language is still used in formal settings, though it is important to ask a person how they prefer to be identified. Examples of person-first language include:

  • person with a disability
  • person with [type of impairment]
  • person with an intellectual disability
  • person with a psychosocial disability
  • person with Down syndrome

Offensive language should always be avoided! For instance, the “R” word is highly offensive. Did you know that the word “retard” means to slow down or to delay, and that “retardation” means a slowing down or delay of a process? Mental Retardation was the formal name for this medical diagnosis. Thus, Mental Retardation is defined as a slowing down or a delay in the development of a person’s mental processes. So, when the “R” word is used as an insult to a person, they are really being called “delayed” which just sounds silly, so just stop using it and find a different word!

Ableist language is language that prioritizes non-disabled people and prejudices against disabled people. Examples of ableist language include:

  • “Handicapped” or “Handicapped parking” – the correct term is “accessible parking.” The term “handicapped” originated from a medieval game called "hand in cap," where players bet on unequal contests. It evolved to describe individuals facing disadvantages, and eventually people with disabilities. Much like the “R” word, it has negative connotations and is considered disrespectful. https://www.unitedaccess.com/us/en/blog/disability-rights/history-of-term-handicapped.html
  • “Wheelchair-bound” or “confined to a wheelchair” – many people with disabilities are capable of getting out of their wheelchair on their own and are not, in fact, “confined” to their wheelchair. INSTEAD, say “uses a wheelchair” or “wheelchair user” (depending on their language preferences).
  • Referring to someone as “special needs” – a person may have needs that are different from others (don’t we all?) but labeling them as “special needs” is simply that, just a label. It communicates nothing about that person’s needs or abilities.
  • “Victim of” , “suffers from”, or “crippled by” (because it elicits pity). Instead, say “the person has…” “a disability resulting from…” or “an impairment that causes…”
  • Avoid language that compares adults to children. Don’t refer to their “mental age.” Instead, describe what the person needs assistance with, as well as what they’re capable of doing independently.
  • “Refused” – when describing the act of declining services or declining to do something. Saying that someone “refused” suggests that the helper has some level of power over the person they are helping. Instead, say that they “declined” services.

Ageist language is language that offensively refers to elderly people. Description and examples of ageist language include:

  • Dirty old man- for an old person still interested in sex
  • Wanderer- someone who walks around the facility seeking something interesting
  • Runner- a person who wants to leave in order to feel safe
  • Feeder- a person who needs some assistance with eating their food
  • Sundowner- a person who becomes anxious in the afternoon or a person who always had a lot going on in the afternoon (e.g., meeting the bus, cooking dinner, or finishing up work)
  • Combative- someone who has an unexpressed need
  • Elderly- when asked, older people want to be “older adults”
  • Demented- For someone with Dementia
  • Agitated- the only thing that agitates is a washing machine

Language that stigmatizes mental health includes:

  • Saying "I'm so OCD" when describing wanting to be neat or tidy.
  • Using “bipolar” to describe someone as moody or unpredictable, trivializing the serious nature of bipolar disorder.
  • "Attention seeker" - often used to diminish someone, saying that they're only acting that way or doing that thing because they want attention.
  • "Borderline" – Shorthand for borderline personality disorder (BPD) but sometimes used pejoratively to describe a patient as difficult or unpredictable, rather than understanding the challenges of the diagnosis.
  • "Frequent flyer" – Used to describe patients who are repeatedly admitted to psychiatric units. This term can be dismissive and undermine the complexity of chronic mental health conditions.

Audiovisual Content that Highlights Understanding and Allyship

Disability Legislation

Below you will find several acts that have become part of United States law, including when each was enacted, key provisions, impact on the community, enforcement agencies, and links for more information. This information is correct as of 4/2/2025.