Regardless of the particular disability, put the person before the condition in every description. For example: “man who has cerebral palsy,” “girl who is deaf,” “teacher with epilepsy.”

“If you are writing an article about a professor’s research, and that person happens to use a wheelchair, you don’t need to mention it unless it relates somehow to the research process. This is just the same principle you would use in deciding whether to mention that someone is Jewish or Latino,” Pappas said.

If it is important to describe a person’s disability, be straightforward and avoid terminology like “handicapable,” “differently abled,” or “special.” This type of verbiage comes across as condescending, Pappas said.

Avoid characterizing everyday activities as huge accomplishments for people with disabilities. “I’m all for including a bride with hearing loss in a wedding special, but when the headline is ‘Deaf Woman Gets Married,’ that’s insulting,” Pappas said.

When talking with a person who uses a wheelchair, it is appropriate to sit or crouch down in order to talk face-to-face, Pappas said. “Even if you are speaking through an interpreter, it’s important to make that direct eye contact,” she said. Similarly, it is best to approach a person who is blind by announcing your presence.

“It is not a big deal if you say ‘See you later’ to someone who is blind. No one is going to be offended by these types of expressions. Relax and use your natural manner of speaking,” she said.

“It’s okay to offer assistance in a polite manner such as holding a door open. Beyond that it is best to ask first rather than to rush in and grab a person who appears to be struggling,” Pappas said. A final note on personal space: a wheelchair should be approached as though it were part of the body — don’t sit or lean on someone’s wheelchair unless you know them very well.