Wheelchairbound

Wheelchair-bound is an adjective historically used to describe a person whose mobility relies on a wheelchair. The term carries an implicit sense of restriction, because it equates the person with the device. It derives from the verb bound, meaning confined or tethered, and has appeared in medical, legal, and general texts. In modern discourse, many view it as stigmatizing because it reduces a person to their wheelchair.

Many editors and disability advocates prefer person-first language: "a person who uses a wheelchair" or "a wheelchair user." This wording centers the individual and acknowledges that mobility aids are tools, not defining traits. In clinical or formal writing, it is usually preferable to say "the patient uses a wheelchair" or "the person uses a wheelchair" rather than labeling someone as wheelchair-bound.

Usage varies by community. Some people who use wheelchairs may not object in certain contexts, while others find the term dehumanizing or outdated. When writing about disability, it is best to ask for language preferences and to choose terms that respect autonomy and identity.

See also disability etiquette, accessibility.