disability

Everyday

A disability is a condition that makes some things harder for a person to do, such as seeing, hearing, walking, learning or communicating. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons about respect and differences: people with disabilities do many things, sometimes in a different way, using things like wheelchairs, hearing aids, guide dogs, sign language or Braille. Disabilities may be visible or invisible (such as autism or dyslexia). Kindness means including everyone, asking before helping, talking to the person directly, not staring or teasing, and keeping ramps, lifts and disabled parking spaces free. The Paralympics celebrate athletes with disabilities. Phrases: «people with disabilities», «a learning disability», «disabled access», «invisible disability».

Examples

• Her brother has a disability and uses a wheelchair. tree →
• Some disabilities, like dyslexia, cannot be seen. tree →
• Our school has ramps for people with disabilities. tree →
• Paralympians are athletes with disabilities. tree →
• Don't park in the space for people with disabilities. tree →
• Ask if someone with a disability wants help before you help them. tree →
• A guide dog helps people who are blind. tree →
• Having a disability doesn't stop you from having fun with friends. tree →

Note

Plural disabilities (y → ies). Adjective: disabled. It is polite to say «a person with a disability» or «a disabled person»; both are used. Avoid old words like «handicapped», and never use disabilities as insults. Some people prefer to be asked which words they like.