This guidance is compiled from the BBC and AP style guides
We should be careful about the language we use when referring to disabled people. The same applies for mentally disabled people.
Remember, “disabled” is a description not a group of people. “The disabled” implies a homogeneous group not individuals.
Disabled people do not always want to be solely identified by their disability but there is some debate about whether it is appropriate to talk about “people with disabilities” – with critics of the phrase saying, for example, they have been disabled by society’s failure to cater for them.
When possible, ask people how they want to be described. Some people view their disability as central to their identity, and use identity-first language such as an autistic woman or an autistic. Others prefer person-first language such as a woman with autism or a woman who has autism.
In describing groups of people, or when individual preferences can’t be determined, use person-first language.
In general, refer to a disability only if relevant to the story, and if a medical diagnosis has been made or the person uses the term. If relatives or others use the term, ask how they know, then consider carefully whether to include the information.
In general, it is best to avoid defining people by their condition or illness - a schizophrenic, for instance. Say instead that the person "has schizophrenia" etc. Instead of “mental health patient” and “schizophrenic”, consider “a person with a mental-health condition” and “a person with schizophrenia”.
Bipolar disorder is the accepted term for manic depression, although this is acceptable in terms of clarification.
Avoid the terms "special needs" and "special education". While they remain in wide use in education and law, many view them as euphemistic and offensive. Instead, aim to be specific about the needs or services in question.
Avoid writing that implies ableism: the belief that typical abilities — those of people who aren’t disabled — are superior. Ableism is a concept similar to racism, sexism and ageism in that it includes stereotypes, generalisations and demeaning views and language. It is a form of discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities.
Do not refer to someone being "wheelchair-bound" or "confined to a wheelchair". Wheelcairs provide mobility - not confinement. Instead, write about a person who uses a wheelchair or who is in a wheelchair or a wheelchair user.
When referring specifically to an individual or group’s medical or health condition, “impairment” is relatively neutral, while “suffers” or “afflicted” can have negative connotations. Many disabled people do not see their impairment in negative terms.
“Condition” is more commonly used to describe a medical condition. Say “living with”, “was diagnosed”, or “has…”.
“Invalid”, “handicapped”, “cripple” and “deformed” should not be used, nor “mentally handicapped”, “mentally defective”, “retarded” or “subnormal.” Consider instead “a person who has a learning disability”.
Avoid describing people as "mute". "Unable to speak" is a suitable alternative.
"Spastic" is a term that is not acceptable. Speak of people with cerebral palsy. "Handicap" and "cripple" are also not acceptable.
We do not speak of "epileptics" or "epilepsy sufferers". Instead, say people with epilepsy. The use of the term "fit" for an epileptic incident is increasingly seen as outdated and can be offensive. The preferred word is seizure, though attack can also be acceptable. However, if a speaker uses fit in a direct quote that's OK.
Avoid using the word "leper" when describing someone with leprosy. It carries very negative connotations, suggesting an outcast or pariah. There will inevitably be occasions when someone says he/she was "treated like a leper". This is acceptable provided it is in direct quotes.
In reporting stories about albinism, we should recognise that it might not be a familiar term to everyone. People with albinism or albino people would be our preference, with "albinos" only to be used in headlines.
Rather than “dwarf” or “dwarves”, the preferred terms are usually “restricted growth” or the medical term “dwarfism” if used in the right context - for example, “someone who has dwarfism” or “someone who has a form of dwarfism”.
Avoid using the terms “battle” and “fight” when referring to someone seeking to overcome an illness or disease such as cancer, unless they themselves use it.
Avoid using disability-related words lightly or in unrelated situations. Some examples: calling a person or an idea demented, psychotic, blind, catatonic, moronic, retarded, on the spectrum, etc.; saying a plan falls on deaf ears or he turned a blind eye or the awards show is schizophrenic. As in all writing, consider word choice carefully. Words that seem innocuous to some people can have specific and deeply personal or offensive meanings to others. Consider alternative phrasing.