It is dehumanising to refer to a person in terms of a condition. Therefore do not talk about a spastic or an epileptic . Words to be avoided Do not use any words or phrases which invite pity, or reinforce impressions of frailty or dependence. This equates disability with illness, and can be construed as not valid . Remember that a wheelchair represents freedom to its user.
Many people dislike the phrase mental handicap which is both stigmatising and imprecise.
People with an intellectual disability are voicing their preference through the growing self-advocacy movement, and they prefer to be described as people with learning difficulties . Remember not to confuse learning difficulties with mental illness. Remember that there are many degrees of deafness and different methods of communicating such as lip-reading or signing. It is important to be accurate about a persons degree of deafness and method of communication. For example, some people will have impaired hearing.