Molly Cook

Katie Nelson: Person First Language

● It’s the person first, not the disability
○ Support: “You would never describe someone as “cancerous”, you would
say they have cancer. Cancer is not how you define the person”.
○ “Using person first language promotes respect and dignity”.

Kathie Snow: People First Language

● A “disability” is a governmental sociopolitical construct, created to identify those
entitled to specific services and legal protections.
○ Support: The disability criteria is very vast and treated differently
depending on the context in which it is being considered. For example,
there is a major difference between special education services and
workers compensation services. (page 1)
● The perpetuation of negative stereotypes is the greatest challenge to those who
have conditions called disabilities, and not the diagnosis itself.
○ Support: Oftentimes, people will make broad decisions regarding the
abilities of the individual based on hearing their diagnosis, without even
taking the time to find out their individual strengths and needs. (page 1)
○ The “help” that is often provided comes with some major life difficulties,
such as isolation and physical segregation, like that of day facilities,
special education classrooms, or sheltered work environments (pg.1)
● Handicapped should not be used as a general descriptor, because it's true
definition is oftentimes not applicable to most disabilities.
○ Support: Oftentimes handicapped is used when it comes to easily
accessible parking spots, ramps, etc. But these will be of no benefit to
someone who is visually impaired, for example. (page 2)
● Calling it a “problem” is incorrect, and instead we should think of it as “needs”
○ Support: Someone who wears glasses isn’t referred to as someone who
“has a seeing problem,” but as someone who “needs glasses”. The
negative connotation dictates the treatment. (page 2)
● We must use people first language in order to include all types of people as
respected and valued members of society, like they already are.
○ Support: Medical diagnosis are irrelevant with friends, family, and your
community, and really only appropriate when it comes to a particular
medical/service/legal meeting (page 3)
TCDD:
● People First Language is an objective way of acknowledging, communicating and reporting
on disabilities.
○ Support: It eliminates generalizations, assumptions and stereotypes by focusing on
the person rather than the disability.
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Molly Cook

● Be sensitive when choosing the words you use

○ Support: Recognize that people with disabilities are ordinary people with common
goals for a home, a job and a family. Talk about people in ordinary terms.
○ Recognize that a disability is not a challenge to be overcome, and don’t say people
succeed in spite of a disability. Ordinary things and accomplishments do not become
extraordinary just because they are done by a person with a disability.