There is some debate amongst disabled people about the terms which they prefer to use. It is important to have a general understanding of words and phrases which may give offence to disabled people. There are no hard and fast rules. Organisations should consult with disabled people and respect their current views over use of language. Medical labels tend to reinforce the stereotypes of disabled people as patients and say little about the individual.
Disabled people have other characteristics apart from their disability.
Avoid making the disability the main way of describing them. It is dehumanising to refer to a person in terms of a condition. Common Courtesies 1. It is quite acceptable to offer assistance to a disabled person if you want to, but wait until your offer has been accepted before you help. Do not assume that you know the best way of helping - listen to any instruction which the disabled person gives you.