People First Language

The words we use to address or describe a person with a disability can be respectful and encouraging or demeaning and cruel. It is time to educate everyone that there is such a thing as "People First Language."

In the disability literature it is accepted that a handicap is a physical or attitudinal constraint or obstacle which society imposes on a person with a disability. Handicap is not a term to describe human beings, but to describe a situation or barrier imposed by society, the environment or oneself. A disability is a body function that operates differently. In other words, a disability is a functional limitation that interferes with a person's ability to walk, hear, talk, learn, or any other area of living or functioning.

The disability rights movement has been in effect since the 1970s and has reminded everyone of the appropriate and inappropriate words to use when referring to a person with a disability.

Here are some simple rules taken from the literature to use when talking and writing to or about people with disabilities:

1. When referring to the disability, put the person first, not their disability.
    Emphasize people not labels. This is the heart of People First Language.
2. Do not refer to the disability unless it is relevant.
3. Do not focus on the disability.
4. Use "disability" rather than "handicap."
5. Do not portray successful people with disabilities as superhuman, special, or
    heroes.
6. Do not patronize or give excessive praise or attention.
7. Do not sensationalize a disability.
8. Do not label people as part of a disability group. Do not use generic labels for
    disability groups, such as "the retarded."
9. Understand that although a disease may have caused a disability, the disability
    itself is not a disease and is not contagious.
10. Do not use "normal" to describe people who do not have disabilities.
11. Emphasize people's abilities, not limitations.
12. Recognize and show people with disabilities as active participants of society.

Changes have already been significant, but there is still a long way to go in using People First Language. It is time to encourage and give the respect deserved to people with disabilities. Look at the information below and incorporate it into your every day language.

Some People First Language:

• People with disabilities
• People with mental illness
• People with mental retardation
• Children with disabilities
• A person is disabled
• A person with autism or epilepsy
• A person has Down syndrome
• A child with a learning disability
• People use a wheelchair or walker
• A person had polio
• A person receives Special Education Services
• A person with cerebral palsy
• People who are deaf and hard of hearing
• A person has a developmental delay

Remember "People first!"