Words can open doors to enable persons with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives.
The following language guidelines have been developed by experts in the field of mental retardation for use by anyone writing or speaking about persons with disabilities, to ensure that all people are portrayed with individuality and dignity. A person has mental retardation, rather than is suffering from, afflicted with, or a victim of mental retardation. A person uses a wheelchair rather than is confined or restricted to a wheelchair. Distinguish between adults and children with mental retardation. Use adults or children , or older or younger athletes.