deformed/deformity

people are not "deformed," nor do they have "deformities"; they are people with orthopedic or physical disabilities. When a body part does not have the typical or expected shape, the deformity most often does not need to be mentioned. When it does, never used "deformed" as an adjective to describe a person, only a specific body part ("a deformed arm"). When possible and necessary, ask the individual in question how they describe it. See also disabilities.