They can project images that are inaccurate and damaging to a person. Many people use words that focus on characteristics rather than on the person as a whole. When speaking or writing about a person with a disability keep the following in mind. Wheelchair user or person who uses a wheelchair. Say person with a disability.
Many disabilities have nothing to do with disease.
It's better to say condition. Added responsibility or challenge are more positive. A person with a disability was neither sabotaged nor necessarily in a car wreck. What's unfortunate is that this word is often used to describe people with disabilities. For more information contact the Affirmative Action Office at 3310.