People First Language
People first language (PFL) represents a more respectful, accurate way of communicating. People with disabilities are not their diagnosis or disabilities; they are people, first. PFL is not about “political correctness,” it’s about good manners and “the golden rule.”
“Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you,” is a very harmful myth. Words do matter! They can raise or lower expectations; hurt or help; crush hopes or create dreams; and so much more.
When we adopt new ways of thinking and talking about people with disabilities, we’ll not only exert a positive influence on their lives, but on our society as a whole. We’ve seen the power of language on other groups; we’ve made changes and no longer use ethnic slurs and other harmful descriptors.
Now it’s time to extend that courtesy to the boys, girls, men, and women in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities who happen to have disabilities.
Examples of People First Language
| SAY: | INSTEAD OF: |
| People with disabilities. | The handicapped or disabled |
| He has a cognitive disability/diagnosis. | He’s mentally retarded. |
| She has autism (or a diagnosis of…) | She’s autistic. |
| He has Down syndrome (or a diagnosis of…) | He’s Down’s; a mongoloid. |
| She has a learning disability (diagnosis). | She’s learning disabled. |
| He has a physical disability (diagnosis). | He’s quadriplegic/is crippled. |
| She’s of short of stature/she’s a little person. | She’s a dwarf/midget. |
| He has a mental health condition/diagnosis. | He’s emotionally disturbed/mentally ill. |
| She uses a wheelchair/mobility chair. | She’s confined to/is wheelchair bound. |
| Children without disabilities. | Normal or healthy kids. |
| Communicates with her eyes/device/etc. | Is non-verbal. |
| Customer | Client, consumer, recipient, etc. |
| Congenital disability | Birth defect |
| Brain Injury | Brain damaged |
| Accessible parking, hotel room. Etc. | Handicapped parking, hotel room. Etc. |
| She needs… or she uses… | She has a problem with… She has special needs. |
Isn’t it time for more respectful and accurate language for all?
People First Language at Wikipedia
People First Language articles by Kathie Snow
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4 Comments
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Nice article… its not only for reading… we need to think about whats in the article and its high time for us (atleast the people in this network) to mind our first language since we are advocating the right languages and terms to be refered to PWDs.. Then only the community will start to follow this…