A letter to People Management in 1997 from a representative of Capability Scotland noted how language used to describe disability often shapes attitudes and perceptions. The author of the letter notes how often people with disabilities are described as ‘suffering’ from the disability, which can lead to misconceptions such as the amount of time they are likely to take off work. The letter also suggests preferred terminology to ensure that people are aware of using pejorative terms like: the disabled, normal, mentally retarded and confined to a wheelchair. The preferred terms are people with disabilities, able-bodied, learning difficulties and wheelchair users.
