People-First Language
Per Washington D.C.’s Office of Disabilities, the People First Respectful Language Modernization Act of 2006 was enacted by the Council of the District of Columbia on July 11, 2006 to “require the use of respectful language when referring to people with disabilities in all new and revised District laws, regulations, rules, and publications and all internet publications.”
People-First Language is exactly what it implies – placing the person before the disability. Of course this makes sense; a person is not defined by their disability ever. People-First Language should describe what a person has, not what a person is. Person with a disability or individuals with disabilities should be used in place of using the term “the disabled”.
Here Are Some Suggestions To Keep In Mind
1. Emphasize abilities, not limitations.
Choosing language that emphasizes what people can do instead of what they can’t do is empowering.
| USE | DO NOT USE |
|---|---|
| Person who uses a wheelchair | Wheelchair bound; confined to a wheelchair |
| Person who uses a communication device; uses an alternative method of communication | Is non-verbal; can’t talk |
2. In general, refer to the person first and the disability second.
People with disabilities are, first and foremost, people. Labeling a person equates the person with a condition and can be disrespectful and dehumanizing. A person isn’t a disability, condition or diagnosis, a person has a disability, condition, or diagnosis. This is called Person-First Language.
| USE | DO NOT USE |
|---|---|
| Person with a disability, people with disabilities | Disabled person; the disabled |
| Man with paraplegia | Paraplegic; paraplegic man |
| Person with a learning disability | Slow learner |
| Student receiving special education services | Special education student |
| A person of short stature | Dwarf, midget |
| A person who is deaf or hard of hearing | Hearing impaired; deaf-mute |
3. Use neutral language.
Do not use language that portrays the person as passive or suggests a lack of something: victim, invalid, defective.
| USE | DO NOT USE |
|---|---|
| Person who has had a stroke | Stroke victim |
| Congenital disability | Birth defect |
| Person with epilepsy | Person afflicted with epilepsy, epileptic |
| Person with a brain injury | Brain damaged, brain injury sufferer |
| Burn survivor | Burn victim |
| Person with a speech difficulty | Dumb or mute |
| Person with a visual impairment | Blind |
4. Use language that emphasizes the need for accessibility rather than the presence of a disability.
| USE | DO NOT USE |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking | Handicapped parking |
| Accessible restroom | Disabled restroom |
**Note that ‘handicapped’ is an outdated and unacceptable term to use when referring to individuals or accessible environments. When in doubt whether a term is unacceptable, err on the side of caution and refrain from using it.
5. Do not use condescending euphemisms.
Terms like differently-abled, challenged, handi-capable or special are often considered condescending.
6. Do not use offensive language.
Examples of offensive language include freak, retard, lame, imbecile, vegetable, cripple, crazy, or psycho.