Using sensitive and appropriate language is important when talking to or about individuals with disabilities. This is also important when talking to their families. This is because the words we use can shape how the person sees himself as well as how others see him.
A habit that is related to appropriate language that special education teachers need to educate their general education colleagues on the most is that of using empowering language. When general educators deal with students with disabilities, they might be discouraging. They might highlight their limits to them, or try to force them into behaviours that do not help them push themselves. It is important for those educators to use empowering, positive language instead. This is because such language is a lot more likely to help students with disabilities gain confidence.