People First Language If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought. George Orwell Rocky Language is power. Our words have the power to teach, inspire, motivate, and uplift people. Words also have the power to hurt, isolate and oppress individuals or entire segments of society. It is not about semantics, it is about dignity and a right for people to be treated with respect. Many labels used for people with disabilities in our society have negative connotations or are misleading. Using labels contributes to negative stereotypes and devalues the person they attempt to describe. It is only important to refer to the person's disability if it is relevant to the conversation or situation. Often times, throughout our history, it has become necessary to change our language and the way in which we refer to individuals and groups to avoid further oppressing those members of society. The time has come to reshape our language once again so that we may refer to people with disabilities and the disability community in a respectful and inclusive manner. When a stigmatized group of people, such as persons with developmental disabilities, is struggling for increased understanding and acceptance, attention to the language used in talking and writing about people is particularly important. 1

We are each unique Finish the sentence: I am… People with disabilities are unique individuals They are moms and dads; sons and daughters; employees and employers; friends and neighbors; teachers and students; scientists, reporters, doctors, actors, presidents and more. Rocky People First Language recognizes that people with disabilities are just people. People with disabilities have their own set of unique set of circumstances too. We each have our own set of unique qualities and characteristics. Finish the sentence, “I am…” {Rocky, give them about a few seconds to think about it.} Most people do not define themselves by any medical condition or diagnosis they have because they are much more than that. People with disabilities are unique individuals. They are moms and dads; sons and daughters; employees and employers; friends and neighbors; teachers and students; scientists, reporters, doctors, actors, presidents and more. There is also a vast difference in life experiences that shape who we each are – regardless of whether any of us share a disability. When we begin to think that people with developmental disabilities are human beings first, with hopes, dreams, goals and value, everything we do, and say after that reflection is more meaningful, and respectful to that person. As a result of our actions, and thoughts, we assist the public at large to remove the barriers of discrimination that devalue individuals with disabilities. Simultaneously we provide an environment in which people with disabilities are valued and motivated to gain hope for their future and reach their goals. 2

Refer to people as individuals Avoid using generic labels and nouns to describe people “the disabled” “an epileptic” Refer to people first “person with an intellectual disability” “child with Down’s Syndrome” Rocky Refer to people as individuals. People with disabilities are not All the same The generic reference to "the developmentally disabled" or "the consumer" conveys a lack of appreciation for the individuality of those referred to. It communicates and reinforces the discriminatory notion that "the developmentally disabled" are a special and separate group that is fundamentally unlike the rest of "us." The use of people first language such as "a person with autism," "an individual with cerebral palsy," or "people with developmental disabilities," on the other hand, recognizes and communicates that the people being referred to are first and foremost multidimensional human beings like everyone else but who, secondarily, have a disability with which they are dealing. Use of such language, although sometimes awkward, is important. Not only does it challenge the existing tendencies of the public to view and treat individuals with disabilities in dehumanizing ways, it also helps individuals with disabilities feel respected as human beings. So , avoid using generic labels and nouns to describe people - “the disabled” or “an epileptic.” Refer to people first – “person with a cognitive disability” or “child with Down’s Syndrome.” 3

Maintain each person’s dignity Avoid using victimizing language such as, “she suffers from multiple sclerosis” Avoid condescending terms such as “handicapped, crippled, mentally retarded, and physically challenged” Avoid portraying people as heroes Portray people with disabilities as everyday people with everyday issues Rocky Avoid using victimizing language such as, “she suffers from multiple sclerosis”. Also avoid the words afflicted with or is a victim of. These all imply illness and suffering. Avoid condescending terms such as “handicapped, crippled, mentally retarded, and physically challenged” The legendary origin of the word “Handicap” is a reference to a person with their cap in their hand – waiting for a handout. This antiquated, derogatory term perpetuates the negative image that people with disabilities are a homogenous group of pitiful, needy people. Avoid portraying people as heroes. We do not want to raise false expectations that all people with disabilities should be super achievers who struggle to become normal again. Portray people with disabilities as everyday people with everyday issues. Avoid tear jerking human interest stories or merely focusing on the disability unless it is crucial to the story. Focus instead on issues that affect the quality of life for those same individuals, such as accessible transportation, housing, affordable health care, employment opportunities, and discrimination.