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Person-first language is a way of talking about disabilities that prioritizes the person, not the diagnosis. Instead of saying autistic child, you’d say child with autism. This helps remind everyone that a disability is just one part of who someone is.
Does person first language apply to all special needs or disabilities?
Yes, person first language is universally applicable, focusing on the individual rather than the specific condition, regardless of the special need.
How can I start using person first language in my daily life?
Start by consistently putting the person before the condition in your language, showing respect and recognition of their individuality, which can make a positive difference in how we perceive and interact with people with special needs.
Are there any situations where person first language might not be appropriate?
Person first language is generally applicable to all situations, but it’s essential to be sensitive to individual preferences, as some people may prefer identity-first language for specific conditions.
Does using person first language require any special training or certification?
No, you don’t need special training or certification. It’s a simple and respectful language choice that anyone can adopt in their everyday communication to promote inclusivity and respect for individuals with special needs.
Person first language (PFL) is a linguistic approach that emphasizes referring to individuals with disabilities as people first rather than defining them primarily by their disability. PFL avoids using disability-related adjectives or labels as nouns and instead places the person before the diagnosis or descriptor. For example, PFL would advocate for saying “a child with Down syndrome” rather than “a Down syndrome child.” This practice aims to promote respect, dignity, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
A person’s first language is a way of discussing disabilities that emphasizes the person, not the diagnosis. Here are some examples of how it works:
| Instead of saying… | Use person-first language: |
|---|---|
| The autistic boy | The boy with autism |
| She’s ADHD | She has ADHD |
| The Down syndrome child | The child with Down syndrome |
Using a person’s first language, we show respect for individuals with disabilities and focus on their humanity, not just their diagnoses. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in promoting inclusion.
