Appropriate Language People with disabilities are people first. The person is first and then the disability. This emphasizes the person and not the disability. Avoid labeling individuals as victims, or the disabled, or names of conditions.
Wheelchairs provide access and enable individuals to get around.
When it is appropriate to refer to an individual's disability, choose the correct terminology for the specific disability. Use terms such as quadriplegia, speech impairment, hearing impairment, or specific learning disability. Appropriate Interaction When introduced, offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or artificial limbs can usually shake hands. It is an acceptable greeting to use the left hand for shaking.