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Understanding Person-First Language

The document discusses person-first language, which refers to putting the person before any label used to describe them. It emphasizes that a person is more than any disability or characteristic and has many strengths. Using terms like "a boy with autism" instead of "an autistic boy" places the focus on the individual. The document provides examples of person-first terminology and explains that it promotes respect, acceptance, and breaking down barriers. It encourages readers to model person-first language themselves and educate others on its importance.

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Maridel Mugot-Duran
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374 views9 pages

Understanding Person-First Language

The document discusses person-first language, which refers to putting the person before any label used to describe them. It emphasizes that a person is more than any disability or characteristic and has many strengths. Using terms like "a boy with autism" instead of "an autistic boy" places the focus on the individual. The document provides examples of person-first terminology and explains that it promotes respect, acceptance, and breaking down barriers. It encourages readers to model person-first language themselves and educate others on its importance.

Uploaded by

Maridel Mugot-Duran
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PERSON

FIRST
LANGUAGE

Instructor: Ms. Maridel Mugot


PERSON FIRST LANGUAGE
The language that places the person
before the label is called person-first
terminology. It acknowledges that a
person is a person first. The label is not
the person. Person-first terminology
further acknowledges that a person has
many different characteristics; they have
strengths, interests, and challenges. A
disability is only one aspect of a person.
Person-first language is
often considered the most
respectful way to talk about
disabilities and differences.
It places the focus on the
individual and not the issue
he or she has.
EXAMPLE

person disability
Say “a boy with autism”
instead of “an autistic boy.”
EXAMPLE:

Someone might say, "They're ADHD" to


describe a child with attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Using person-first language, this would


change to "The child who has ADHD."
Place the student first before the disability
A child with autism, instead of an autistic child
Place groups of students first before the disability
Students in special education, instead of special
education students
Use respectful terms when referring to peer groups
Students without disabilities instead of typical
students
Model back person-first terminology when others do not
use it
When someone says, “special education students…”
just continue the conversation by modeling back,
“yes…. students in special education…”
WHY PEOPLE FIRST LANGUAGE?
Terminology can have an impact especially on the individual
described. Terminology can lift someone up or bring him down. It can
also perpetuate stereotypes and influence how others not only see a
person but also how they treat the person. Terminology, therefore,
needs to be respectful and model acceptance.
Words and how they are used shape attitudes. Incorporating People
First Language into the written and spoken word demonstrates that
people are unique and their abilities or disabilities are part of who
they are, not a definition of who they are.
People First Language is sensitive and accurate and helps break
down community carriers and foster mutual respect and open lines
of communication and acceptance.
Be the voice of equity,
acceptance and respect:
USE PERSON-FIRST TERMINOLOGY

Inform others about person-first terminology


Remember that changing the way we speak
is a process and takes time
References :
https://www.pasoschools.org/Page/1471

https://www.slideshare.net/JennyDexterAPR/person-first-
language-guide-62212-63142527

https://askearn.org/topics/retention-
advancement/disability-etiquette/people-first-language/

https://www.verywellfamily.com/focus-on-the-person-
first-is-good-etiquette-2161897

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