It has come up on another list, as a question by someone who had never heard
the term "differently abled" before, as to what the preferred or acceptable
terms are to the differently abled community?  As there was a recent
discussion on the rudeness of the use of the term "disabled", I would like
to know what words describing the visual impaired, physically challenged
(formerly know as handicapped) or learning disabled might be used as a
non-demeaning alternative?

I am aware of these terms being in current use: differently abled,
physically challenged, also spectrum disorder (type of learning disability,
but who would know it), visually impaired, and handicapped.  Just wondering,
and I suppose it is sometimes a personal preference, which are considered
non-offensive?  From what I'm hearing the terms disabled, handicapped and
impaired are offensive and shouldn't be used.  Thus how would a blind or
visually impaired person like the matter to be discussed in a community
forum or accessibility for example, so that all would know what we are
talking about.  To me it appears to be an issue of educating the public.

                                                                -Karen
McCandlish
                                                                Monroe
Community College
                                                                Leroy V Good
Library

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