Finding the right terms to be politically correct

Respectful language: Wheelchair users may not view themselves as“bound” to a wheelchair, so choose words that reflect dignity and respect. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

AS groups advocating the rights of disabled people, or orang kurang upaya (OKU) in popular Malaysian usage, grow in number and are becoming more vocal, it is time that we become extra careful and sensitive when using terms to refer to people with disabilities.

Previously, they were called invalid, handicapped or simply disabled, which was considered derogatory and insulting. With language continually evolving, new politically correct and more acceptable terminologies have emerged.