2.9: Use of Language

Person-First vs. Identity First Language

Person First Language

This is an approach to communication that emphasizes the individual before their disability. It is grounded in the belief that people are not defined by their disabilities, but rather by their unique qualities as individuals. This language encourages respect, dignity, and the understanding that the disability is just one part of a person’s identity.

Key Principles of Person-First Language

• Focus on the person: The person is always placed before their disability or condition. For example, instead of saying "autistic child," person-first language encourages saying "child with autism." The focus is on the person first, not the disability.
• Respectful and neutral tone: Person-first language seeks to avoid negative or limiting language. Words like "suffering from," "victim of," or "handicapped" are avoided because they can imply that the disability is the defining or negative aspect of the person’s life.
• Highlighting the individual, not the disability: It is important to convey that a person is more than their condition. For example, instead of referring to someone as "a disabled person," you would say "a person with a disability."

Examples of Person-First Language

• Person with autism instead of autistic person.
• Individuals with a learning disability, instead of learning disabled persons.
• Person with a physical disability instead of a crippled person.
• Person with a visual impairment instead of a blind person.
• Person who uses a wheelchair instead of being wheelchair-bound.

Why Person-First Language Matters

• Empathy and respect: It reflects a mindset that focuses on the individual rather than labeling or defining them by their disability.
• Promotes inclusion: Person-first language fosters a more inclusive environment, reminding us that everyone has a range of characteristics beyond their disabilities.
• Empowers individuals: By acknowledging the person first, it gives them agency and affirms their dignity, avoiding the reduction of a person’s identity to a condition or limitation.

Identity First Language

Identity-first language, in contrast, acknowledges that a disability can be an integral part of a person's identity and self-definition. It is often preferred by individuals who see their disability as a source of strength, pride, or a shared experience within a community.

Key Principles of Identity-First Language

• The Identity comes first: Identity-first language places the person's condition or identity before the person (e.g., “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”). It reflects that the identity is a core part of who they are, not something separate or negative.
• Affirms group pride and cultural identity: Many individuals and communities prefer identity-first language because it validates and embraces their lived experience as something integral, not something to be avoided or minimized.
• Community preference matters; Using identity-first language respects the preferences of individuals and communities. It’s important to ask or research how a person or group self-identifies, demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity.

Examples of Identity-First Language:

• Disabled person instead of person with a disability
• Autistic person instead of person with autism
• Deaf person instead of a person who is deaf

Why Identity-First Language Matters:

• Demonstrates Empathy and Respect: It honors how people see themselves and avoids framing identity as a deficit or burden.
• Promotes Inclusion: It fosters understanding and acceptance by recognizing diverse ways of being as valid and valued.
• Empowers Individuals: It supports self-advocacy by affirming that people can take pride in their identity.
• Avoids Stigmatization: It shifts the narrative from “something is wrong with you” to “this is part of who you are.”
• Builds Trust: Using preferred language shows genuine care and a willingness to listen and learn.

In Practice:

While person-first language is widely recommended, it's important to note that some individuals or groups within the disability community may prefer identity-first language (e.g., autistic person, Deaf community), as they feel that their disability is an intrinsic and important part of who they are. Thus, it's important to respect individuals' preferences when using language.

The most important aspect is to respect the individual's preference. If unsure, it is best to ask the individual how they prefer to be identified.

Key Terms

• Multiple Intelligences
• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act)
• FAPE (Free and Appropriate Education)
• LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
• Accommodations
• Modification
• Assistive Technology
• (RTI) Response to Intervention
• Person First Language