A quick guide for new folks here about ableist language and language changes!

1) Don't say 'differently abled' or 'handicapped'. The term is 'disabled'.

2) Disability-first please! Say 'a blind person' NOT 'a person who is blind'. Person-first is outdated and was a concept-

pressed on us by able-bodied people in the Disability Studies field. It comes from the idea that you should 'see the person not the disability' which is gross. However, older disabled people may prefer person-first language. If you're unsure of a person's preference ask politely!

3) Don't say 'wheelchair bound'. It is ableist and doesn't account for ambulatory wheelchair users! Additionally, wheelchairs are not confining, they are freeing and give a lot of disabled people independence!

4) 'Cr*pple' lame' & 'r*tard' are slurs! Do NOT use them. However-

some disabled folk have reclaimed 'cr*pple' and may refer to themselves and their disabled friends as 'crips'. If you aren't disabled, this is not you word or term to use.

5) 'Aspergers' is no longer a medical diagnoses term, it has since been replaced with ASD (Autism Spectrum-

Disorder(s)). However, some autistic people may still use aspergers when describing their own experiences. Be aware and respect this!

6) Here's a free resource on terminology you can download/bookmark/keep a note of!
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://web.augsburg.edu/english/writinglab/Avoiding_Ableist_Language.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjahuqV5JHuAhVGOBoKHQtYBsoQFjAAegQIAhAB&usg=AOvVaw3Ozhp0JvL71suPWK3CLSEl

7) Remember, language is constantly in motion! It's a living thing. Be open to changes and be aware that sometimes you'll mess up - even I still get terminology wrong from time to time! When you make a mistake, apologise, and ask how you can do/be better going forward!