Person-first language is a linguistic approach used to speak about individuals with disabilities in a way that emphasizes their humanity first, before their disability. This type of language is designed to put the "person" before the "condition," and it's part of a broader effort to promote dignity, respect, and personhood for all individuals, regardless of their disability.
Key Features of Person-first Language:
Emphasis on the Individual: The primary goal is to acknowledge that a person's condition or disability is just one aspect of who they are. For example, saying "person with autism" rather than "autistic person" aims to highlight that the individual is not defined solely by their autism.
Avoids Defining by Condition: By structurally placing the condition after the mention of the individual ("person with a disability" instead of "disabled person"), it seeks to avoid reducing the individual’s whole identity to their disability.
Widely Advocated: Person-first language is recommended by many health professionals, advocacy groups, and legal systems. It aligns with the guidelines set by various organizations, including those in special education and disability advocacy, like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity: It’s sensitive to the cultural and contextual nuances of how disabilities are viewed and discussed. By focusing on the person first, this language form respects the complex personhood of individuals with disabilities.
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