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DiversityInc's article "What Are the Best Words for Disabilities?" generated a variety of opinions. See what some of our readers had to say on the subject.

Comment 1: I have to take issue with this article. I don't think it is entirely accurate, nor does it capture any of the diversity that exists WITHIN the disability community. As is the case with many minority groups, people with disabilities have reclaimed some of these words and use them with pride. The term "disabled," which is offensive in some contexts, is also an identity. Many people with disabilities identify themselves as disabled, the same way that people identify as gay or lesbian. The term carries with it a sense of belonging to a group or community as well as a sense of pride. Similarly, the words "gimp" or "crip" are often used within the disability community, particularly among disabled artists. Let me be clear, I have not heard these words used in any appropriate way by members outside the community to describe people with disabilities, but I think it is important to note that some of these terms carry a strong positive meaning for some people with disabilities. Ultimately what is important is that you treat people with disabilities as PEOPLE. If you slip up and use an offensive term, apologize and move on.

For more information on how you can be part of creating a renewed definition of disability, visit DiversityIncBestPractices.com.

Comment 2: Disabled is a very offensive term and, when I hear people refer to "the disabled" as though we are a category rather than people, I refer to them as "the abled." The best thing for anyone to do is to refer to the person by name or as a person. Look at their abilities rather than their disabilities. Life will be better for everyone then.

Comment 3: Owning a disability is one thing, but letting it own you is another. Many people need to be trained to look at the person's skills and abilities first. If the candidate didn't think he/she could do the job, he/she would not be there in the first place. It is what a person can bring to the table, not what [people think] the candidate cannot do. Employers need to learn that they cannot throw people who are skilled to the wayside.

Comment 4: I think too many people get hung up on words and PC malarkey. If you are not comfortable with your disability, you are not ready to enter the work force. I'm a blind person and "blind" is fine with me. I don't like words like "visually different" or "visually challenged." My disability won't disappear because I refer to it in other terms than what it is.

Which companies are the best for people with disabilities? Click here to see The DiversityInc Top 10 Best Companies for People With Disabilities list.

The views expressed herein are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DiversityInc.