Person First Language

1. Person First Language

2. What is person first language? Simply put, person first language is when you put the person before their disability, and describe what a person has, not who a person is.

3. Why would I want to use Person first language People with disabilities face social challenges regularly, and they may feel uncomfortable when referred to as “that disabled person” or “that girl who can’t talk right.” The way we phrase things can make people feel dismissed or as if their achievements are worth less because the did it despite something that is “wrong” with them.

4. Why is person first language a thing? Historically, people with disabilities have been regarded as individuals to be pitied, feared or ignored. They have been portrayed as helpless victims, repulsive enemies, heroic individuals overcoming tragedies, and charity cases who must depend on others for their well being and care. People with disabilities are speaking out asking for accurate portrayals that present a respectful, positive view of individuals as active participants in society, and in regular work, social, and home environments

5. What is an intellectual disability? A disability that occurs before age 18. People with this disability may experience limitations in two main areas. 1) Intellectual functioning and 2)adaptive behavior. A number of people with intellectual disabilities are mildly affected It is diagnosed through the use of standardized tests of intelligence and adaptive behavior

6. How Many people have intellectual disabilities? An estimated 4.6 million Americans Many school age children receive a diagnosis of learning disability, developmental delay, behavior disorder, or autism instead of intellectual disability.

7. How does having a disability affect someone’s life? The effects vary among people who have them Children may take longer to learn to speak, walk and take care of their personal needs Some students may take longer in school Most adults with disabilities will live and function the same as those with out disabilites. However, a small percentage with serious disabilities will have lifelong limitations.

8. What are some examples of phrases that minimize people’s accomplishments? Ray Charles was a blind musician (this ignores all his great accomplishments, and tells the reader we should be impressed he can create music, because he is blind) Helen Keller was deaf and blind (This ignores all the great things she did, and just tells us that she’s weird, because she is both deaf and blind.)

9. Examples of person first language Ray Charles was a world-renowned musician who was blind. Hellen Keller was the author of 12 books, and was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

10. What are some examples of basic phrases that are not person-first language She can’t learn He is a cripple He can’t talk They are brain damaged How can we change these to person first?