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Guidelines for writing about people with disabilities

The Arc advocates the use of people-first language when speaking or writing about people with disabilities. The Arc's move toward people-first language recognizes that the words "mentally retarded" and "the retarded" are no longer appropriate. The word "retarded" has come to define the person (often used as an epithet) and the term "the retarded" is disrespectful as it renders the persons and the disability equal. The appropriate and respectful alternative to these terms are phrases such as "person with a developmental disability" or "people with cognitive and developmental disabilities," which place people first, before their disabilities, in the descriptor.

For more information, read The Arc of Massachusetts's position statement on language or click here for detailed guidelines for reporting and writing about people with disabilities.