Some disability activists and groups prefer identity-first language (“disabled people”), as opposed to person-first language (“people with disabilities”). Always follow a person’s or group’s self-identification. When you cannot ask them or it’s unknown, default to person-first language.
“Blind” refers to someone with total vision loss. Otherwise, describe the degree of vision loss that is applicable, such as “low vision” or “limited vision.”
“Deaf” is an adjective, not a noun. Lowercase it in all uses, except if a person explicitly prefers to capitalize it, such as when referring to Deaf communities.
“Hard of hearing” is acceptable for people who have partial hearing loss.
Avoid “hearing-impaired,” as it disempowers (describes someone in terms of what they cannot do) rather than neutrally describes a condition.
Avoid describing a person as “handicapped.” Instead, describe the disability.
“Nondisabled” refers to someone who does not have a disability. Use caution with the term “able-bodied,” as some view it as meaning people with disabilities lack “able bodies.”
A person “uses a wheelchair.” Avoid phrases that insinuate a wheelchair is a hindrance, such as “confined to a wheelchair” or “wheelchair-bound.”