How do disabled people like to be referred to?

Emphasize the individual not the disability. Rather than using terms such as disabled person, handicapped people, a crippled person, use terms such as people/persons with disabilities, a person with a disability, or a person with a visual impairment.

When meeting and talking with a person who has a disability?

Talk in a normal tone of voice. Dont lean or sit on the persons wheelchair. The chair is a part of his personal space. Offer assistance if it makes sense (e.g., opening the door, moving something out of the way), but wait until it is accepted before you begin assisting.

What is the proper way to say mentally disabled?

See mental health entry . Mentally retarded: Always try to specify the type of disability being referenced. Otherwise, the terms mental disability, intellectual disability and developmental disability are acceptable. See entry on mentally retarded/mentally disabled, intellectually disabled, developmentally disabled .