List of disability-related terms with negative connotations

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List of Disability-Related Terms with Negative Connotations[edit | edit source]

This article provides a comprehensive list of disability-related terms that are considered to have negative connotations. It aims to raise awareness about the impact of language on people with disabilities and promote the use of more respectful and inclusive terminology.

Able-bodied privilege[edit | edit source]

Able-bodied privilege refers to the societal advantages and benefits that individuals without disabilities experience due to their able-bodied status. This term highlights the unequal treatment and discrimination faced by people with disabilities.

Cripple[edit | edit source]

Cripple is a derogatory term historically used to describe individuals with physical disabilities. It is considered offensive and disrespectful, as it perpetuates negative stereotypes and undermines the capabilities and worth of people with disabilities.

Handicap[edit | edit source]

Handicap is a term that is often used incorrectly to refer to a person with a disability. It is considered outdated and offensive, as it implies that the disability is a personal disadvantage or obstacle. The preferred term is "person with a disability" or simply "disabled person.

List of disability-related terms with negative connotations Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski "

Invalid[edit | edit source]

Invalid is an outdated term that is used to describe a person with a disability. It is considered offensive and disrespectful, as it suggests that the person is not valid or lacks worth due to their disability. The preferred term is "person with a disability" or "disabled person.
List of disability-related terms with negative connotations Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski "

Retard[edit | edit source]

Retard is a highly offensive and derogatory term used to insult individuals with intellectual disabilities. It perpetuates negative stereotypes and devalues the intelligence and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The preferred term is "person with an intellectual disability.
List of disability-related terms with negative connotations Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski "

Special needs[edit | edit source]

Special needs is a term that is often used to describe individuals with disabilities. However, it is considered patronizing and stigmatizing, as it implies that people with disabilities have needs that are different or "special" compared to others. The preferred term is "person with a disability" or simply "disabled person.
List of disability-related terms with negative connotations Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski "

Wheelchair-bound[edit | edit source]

Wheelchair-bound is a term that is often used to describe individuals who use wheelchairs for mobility. However, it is considered inaccurate and demeaning, as it suggests that the wheelchair is a limitation or confinement. The preferred term is "wheelchair user" or "person who uses a wheelchair.
List of disability-related terms with negative connotations Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski "

Inspiration porn[edit | edit source]

Inspiration porn refers to the objectification and exploitation of people with disabilities for the purpose of inspiring able-bodied individuals. It involves portraying individuals with disabilities as heroic or inspirational solely based on their disability, rather than recognizing their individuality and achievements. This term highlights the harmful impact of such portrayals on the disability community.

Pity language[edit | edit source]

Pity language refers to the use of language that evokes pity or sympathy towards individuals with disabilities. It often reinforces negative stereotypes and perpetuates the idea that people with disabilities are helpless or in need of charity. This term emphasizes the importance of using respectful and empowering language when discussing disabilities.

Tokenism[edit | edit source]

Tokenism refers to the practice of including individuals with disabilities in a superficial or symbolic way, without genuinely valuing their contributions or addressing their needs. It is a form of discrimination that undermines the inclusion and representation of people with disabilities. This term highlights the need for genuine inclusion and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

By being aware of and avoiding the use of these negative terms, we can contribute to creating a more inclusive and respectful society for people with disabilities. It is important to prioritize the use of person-first language and to consult with individuals with disabilities to ensure that their preferences are respected.
List of disability-related terms with negative connotations Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD