Only refer to a person’s disability if it is relevant to the context. Be aware that some people prefer “identity-first” terminology, while others prefer “person-first” language. Identity-first: a blind man, an autistic woman. Person-first: Martha, who is blind, credits her guide dog with saving her from harm.
Avoid “differently abled.”
When needing to specify those without disabilities, preferred terminology includes “nondisabled” or “people without disabilities,” rather than “able-bodied.”
deaf / Deaf: Lowercase to refer to the audiological status of people with total or significant hearing loss: deaf, hard of hearing. Uppercase when referring to the culture and community of deaf people: Deaf education, the cultural Deaf community.