I refer to myself as "profoundly disabled" - it's an elegant way of saying I need a lot of tech & assistance to complete the activities of everyday life.

Often, someone in my situation would be referred to as "very disabled" or a slew of other unfavorable terms I've been called.

Others I know prefer to refer to themselves as crippled - a term that I absolutely detest.

And this is where we must be careful. It's imperative to let people label themselves.

What I choose to call myself. and what others choose to call themselves, is no one else's business.

To the best way to treat someone with a disability is to ask the person how they prefer others to refer to them and then being respectful and accepting of that choice.

It's an extra step with minimal effort that can save you potential future self-embarrassment.