Person-First Language and Identity-First Language refers to the language that we use and how we refer to people with disabilities. Using language that puts the person first before the disability is called “Person-First Language”.
Examples of Person-First Language:
- “Person with a disability”
- “Person with short stature”
- “Student with low vision”
- “Friend who uses a wheelchair”
Using language that puts identifiers first before the person is called “Identity-First Language”.
Examples of Identity-First Language:
- “Disabled person”
- “Little Person”
- “Visually impaired student”
- “Wheelchair user”
How can we know whether it is more respectful to use Person-First Language or Identity-First Language? Generally, using Person-First Language is respectful and polite to a wide variety of groups of individuals with disabilities. However, everyone has their own preferences. The best way to know what language to use is to ask the individual with a disability what they prefer!
No matter what, using the words “disability”, “disabled”, or the name of a specific disability is not bad or rude. Sometimes, people use words like “handicapped” or “special needs” because they think that this is more polite. Actually, these words should be avoided.
A great way to know what type of language to use and when to use it is by practicing! Let’s take a look at Students With Disabilities Scenario #1 to apply what we’ve learned so far!
Students With Disabilities Scenario #1
In a small group with either classmates or friends, read the following scenario. Then, discuss the follow-up questions.
Scenario A:
You are eating lunch in the cafeteria when your friend Joey runs up to you with some news. He tells you that there is a new student in your class. His name is Michael. He’s from Nevada and he likes to play the trumpet. Joey continues on to say that he’d love to spend some time with Michael and be his friend since he also plays the trumpet. Joey then tells you that playing musical instruments, watching movies, or playing board games would be good activities to do with Michael since he’s crippled.
>In this scenario, it is not Joey’s intention to be mean or malicious when referring to Michael’s disability. However, what could Joey have said in order to be more sensitive? What would you say to Joey in order to share with him what you learned about Person-First Language and Identity-First Language?
>Helpful hint: Instead of saying that Michael is “crippled”, Joey could have said that Michael is a wheelchair user or that he simply uses a wheelchair.
Download Learn More About: Person-First & Identity-First Language (English) here.
Download Learn More About: Person-First & Identity-First Language (Spanish) here.