Words matter — avoid outdated terms

Language is powerful. It can inspire. It can shape perceptions. And it can have a devastating impact if used incorrectly.

Outdated terms

• Wheelchair-bound. A wheelchair-user is freed, not bound, by using a wheelchair
• Victim of…, suffers from…, suffering from the tragedy of…, afflicted with…
• Handicapped, retarded, spastic, mental, imbecile, birth defect/deformity
• Deaf mute, deaf and dumb, dumb, physically challenged, differently abled, handicapable
• Deficient, people with deficits, slow or slow learner, idiot, mongoloid
• Crippled or physically challenged
• Medical terms such as patient or invalid
• Has the mental age of…
• Emotional words of pity and charity. For example, unfortunate, pitiful
• Words of heroism and inspiration. For example, brave, special, super-determined, unstoppable.