Keep thinking. There are lots more examples out there. And practice, practice, practice. Old habits die hard!
People first language puts the person before the disability.
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightening and the lightening bug.
- Mark Twain
Who Are People With Disabilities?
Historical and current myths tell us they are:
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People who suffer from the tragedy of birth defects.
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Paraplegic heroes who struggle to become normal again.
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Victims of diseases fighting to regain their previous lives.
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Categorically the crippled, the retarded, the autistic, the blind, the deaf, and the learning disabled.
Who Are They Really?
Neighbors, friends, employees, students, leaders, movie stars, followers, teachers, moms, dads, sons, daughters, beauty pageant winners, they are.......people. They are
people.
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Are you myopic or do you wear glasses?
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Are you cancerous or do you have cancer?
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Are you freckled or do you have freckles?
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Are you handicapped/disabled or do you have a disability?
People first language says what a person
has not what a person
is. They are people first; disabilities second.
Written by Kathie Snow.
Email Kathie Snow
View and/or print the
People First Language page (PDF).