The recommendations in the Guidelines are based on a survey of national disability organizations and individuals with disabilities. We cannot represent every opinion, but we do acknowledge that among people with disabilities, there are two main preferences: “person-first” and “identity-first” or “identity” language. We include terms to satisfy both options, and just as importantly, list terms that should never be used.

Because language evolves, we update the online version of the Guidelines at rtcil.org/guidelines. Please let us know what you think by following us on social media. You can help us keep our recommendations current.

The first edition of the Guidelines was produced with funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, now the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). Since then, more than one million copies have been distributed, and the online version is used by people around the world.

http://rtcil.org/products/media/guidelines