Individuals with disabilities are just the same as everyone else, and adjusting the language we use to recognize this fact is easy and puts the individual before his or her disability.
People-First Language represents a more respectful, accurate way of communicating.
People with disabilities are not their diagnosis or disabilities; they are people first.
We no longer talk about what’s wrong with an individual who has a disability, because like gender, ethnicity, and other traits, disability is simply a natural part of being human.
We believe People-First Language is not “political correctness,” but something more important: Good manners, respect, and The Golden Rule.
Examples of People-First Language
| Say: | Instead of: |
| People with disabilities | The handicapped |
| He has a cognitive disability | He’s mentally retarded |
| He has Down syndrome | He’s Down’s/ a Down’s kid |
| She has a physical disability | She’s a quad/para/crippled |
| He has a mental health diagnosis | He’s emotional disturbed/mentally ill |
| Children without disabilities | Normal, healthy, regular children |
| Brain injury | Brain damaged |
Visit the below resources to learn how you can incorporate People First Language into your vocabulary: