Terminology like "handicapped" and "disabled" is no longer appropriate because it focuses attention on the disability, not the person. Negative terminology can encourage ideas of pity and helplessness and suggest that the person has limited value or dignity as a whole human being. If you hear anyone voicing this language, ask them to rephrase using people first language.

People first language comes from people with disabilities who ask to be recognized as people first instead of named by their disabilities. A reference to the person's disability categorizes him/her into groups of sameness such as skills and interests. This reference has a negative connotation and points out what the person cannot do. Language used in current legislative documents reflects people first language; therefore, your language should follow this model.

Snow, K., 1998. Sikeston Regional Center, "People First Language," http://www.state.sd.us/dhs/ddc/kathysnow.htm, March 15, 2004.