1. Understanding the Use of People First Language
Understanding the Use of People First Language
Presented by Pamdora Williams
LaSPDG Staff
@laspdg

2. Considerations
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3. CLU Credit
In order to receive a certificate of participation for today’s webinar (1 CLU credit contingent upon the approval of your employing school system) you will need to type the following information into the chat pod at this time:
Full name
Parish you are representing
Your complete address
Your certificate will be ed to you by Friday afternoon; if you do not receive it, please Wendy Allen

4. Indicate your knowledge of People First Language (PFL)
0 - I have never heard of People First Language
1 - I have some knowledge of People First Language
2 - I have a good understanding of People First Language

5. Goal: To develop awareness and sensitivity to words that refer to individuals and their disabilities.
Objectives:
To understand the importance of words chosen when referring to individuals with disabilities
To become aware of statements that represent People First Language
To apply People First Language to non-examples

6. Sticks & Stones
Think back to a time when someone hurt you with verbal sticks and stones. Think about a word/phrase to describe how that impacted you.

7. Sticks & Stones
Sticks and stones may break the bones, but words CAN and DO HURT!

8. People First Language
“People First Language puts the person before the disability and describes what a person has, not who a person is.”
“Old and inaccurate descriptors perpetuate negative stereotypes and generate an incredibly powerful attitudinal barrier – the greatest obstacle facing individuals with disabilities.”
“People First Language reflects good manners, not ‘political correctness’ and it was started by individuals who said ‘We are not our disabilities’.”
Kathie Snow. (n.d.) A few words about People First Language. Disability is Natural. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from

9. Which statement uses People First Language correctly?
Let’s take a poll….
Which statement uses People First Language correctly?
She’s learning disabled.
He receives special education services.
He is a LAA 2 student.

10. Which statement uses People First Language correctly?
She’s learning disabled.
He receives special education services.
He is a LAA 2 student.

11. People First Language I WILL SAY: INSTEAD OF:
People with disabilities.
Cognitive or intellectual disability
Mike has autism
Accessible parking
INSTEAD OF:
Handicapped/disabled
Mental retardation
Mike is autistic
Handicapped parking
“Language tends to shape beliefs about a person’s potential needs and desires “ [Hutchinson and McGill, 1992].
The language we use influences the way we see people and the way they see themselves.

12. Video of People First Language
This is part of a social marketing campaign to raise awareness of the importance of utilizing people-first language when referring to people who have developmental or intellectual disabilities

13. Poll: “Say This, Not That”
Read the statement
Determine whether-or-not the statement is an example of People First Language.

14. SAY
“I am the inclusion teacher and will have the students with disabilities in my class this year.”
“I am the inclusion teacher and will have the sped kids in my class this year.”
INSTEAD OF

15. “Molly is a first grade student in my class; she is autistic.”
SAY
“Molly is a first grade student in my class; she has a diagnosis of autism.”
“Molly is a first grade student in my class; she is autistic.”
INSTEAD OF 15

16. SAY
“Bryant receives special education services and will be a part of the basketball team this year.” 16

17. “Clay is confined to a wheelchair this year.”
SAY
“Clay will utilize a wheelchair this year.”
“Clay is confined to a wheelchair this year.”
INSTEAD OF 17

18. “The school has made additional spaces for handicapped parking.”
SAY
“The school has made additional spaces for accessible parking.”
“The school has made additional spaces for handicapped parking.”
INSTEAD OF 18

19. “Derick is in my 4th hour class and he has a developmental delay.”
SAY
“Derick is in my 4th hour class and he has a developmental delay.” 19

20. “John communicates with his eyes/devices/etc.”
SAY
“John communicates with his eyes/devices/etc.”
“John is non-verbal.”
INSTEAD OF

21. “Bill is a student who takes the LAA1 test.”
SAY
“Bill is a student who takes the LAA1 test.”
“Bill is a LAA1 student.”
INSTEAD OF

23. Jill Egle is an author, international speaker, and self-advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

25. Let’s take a poll…. How People First Friendly is your school?
1 Best….5 Worst

26. Let’s Chat!
Using the Chat Pod… Share ways you can spread People First Language with educators, families, and other stakeholders?

27. What Can I Do as a Teacher?
Teach your students PFL - pledge
Share with staff (watch webinar at - pledge
Use with your co-workers
Use at meetings
Invite guest speakers to your class
Help ensure your school’s written documents support PFL
Have students bring in non-examples used in media (web, newspaper, magazine) & discuss how to change to PFL
Practice!

28. For additional information, articles & resources….
Visit website

29. Resources
People First Language Webinar
Disability Is Natural
Family to Family Network  
Brochure  
I’m Tyler  
You tube Jill Egle
US Department of Labor

31. Questions?
Please use your chat pod if you have questions related to this presentation (if time permits, we will answer them, if not, please questions to contacts below)
After this webinar, you may any content-related questions to Pamdora Williams
You may any grant-related questions to Melanie Lemoine

32. REMINDER: CLU Credit
IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO DURING THIS WEBINAR…..
In order to receive a certificate of participation for today’s webinar (1 CLU credit contingent upon the approval of your employing school system) you will need to type the following information into the chat pod at this time:
Full name
Parish you are representing
Your complete address
Your certificate will be ed to you by Friday afternoon; if you do not receive it, please Wendy Allen

33. For the People First Language powerpoint and other resources, visit our website and click on the Family Engagement tab.
The contents of this PowerPoint presentation were developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, #H323A However those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
@laspdg

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