Words matter! Words can open doors to enable persons with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. Words can also create barriers or stereotypes that are not only demeamimg to persons with disabilities, but which also rob them of their individuality. The following language guidelines have been developed by experts in the field of intellectual disabilities for use by anyone writing or speaking about persons with disabilities, to ensure that all people are portrayed with individuality and dignity.

APPROPRIATE TERMINOLOGY

A person has intellectual disabilities, rather than is suffering from, afflicted with, or a victim of mental retardation.

A person uses a wheelchair rather than is confined or restricted to a wheelchair.

Distinguish between adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Use adults or children, or older or younger athletes.

Down Syndrome has replaced "Down's Syndrome" and mongoloid.

Refer to participants in Special Olympics as athletes. In no case should the word appear in quotation marks.

When writing, refer to persons with a disability in the same style as persons without a disability: full name on first reference and last name on subsequent references.

A person is physically challenged or disabled rather than crippled or handicapped.

TERMINOLOGY TO AVOID

Avoid the label "kids" when referring to Special Olympic athletes. Adult athletes are an integral part of the program.

Avoid the term "unfortunate" when talking about persons with intellectual disabilities. Disabling conditions do not have to be a life-defining in a negative way.

Avoid the word "the" in front of Special Olympics unless describing a specific Special Olympics event or official.

Avoid overly sensationalizing the accomplishments of persons with disabilities. While these accomplishments should be recognized and applauded, people in the disability rights movement have tried to make the public aware of the negative impact of referring to the achievements of physically or mentally challenged people with excessive hyperbole.