Using words like "handicapped," "wheelchair-bound," "retarded," "afflicted," "blind," and "mute" to refer to an individual implies that the disability is paramount to the person. This makes it appear as though the person is less than fully human. Some helpful guidelines are available, though common sense also plays a large part in knowing what language to use.

There may also be exceptions. For instance, people who are deaf or have hearing impairments may refer to themselves as deaf, as a member of the deaf community, or as being "hard of hearing." People with mobility impairments who use wheelchairs may refer to themselves as "wheelchair-bound." As a librarian and educator, your role is to set the best example for others and orient your view toward the abilities, contributions, and humanity of those with disabilities.

Assess your understanding of person-first language by completing the following activities.

Activity 1

Is it person-first language? (from Edmund J. Sass)

Below is the first of five statements that will appear. Indicate whether each statement is consistent with the principles of person-first language by responding "Yes" if it is consistent and "No" if it is not. After you have selected your answer, click "Submit Form," and you will see the correct answer. Click "Submit Response" again to proceed to the next statement.

Activity 2

Read the following paragraph (adapted from Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Disability History and Awareness Month: School Activities).

Then, rewrite it so that it is consistent with the principles of person-first language.

There was a time when mentally retarded kids weren't allowed to go to school. They were institutionalized or kept at home. The parents of these feeble-minded students, and of others who were wheelchair bound, mute, afflicted with diseases like polio, and others, began to fight for the rights of their children to receive a free public education. Because of these advocacy efforts, in 1973, the Rehabilitation Act was signed into law. It prohibited any agency receiving federal funding, including most public schools, from discriminating against a disabled child. This paved the way for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures educational services for all handicapped children throughout the nation. These laws have provided disabled students the right to receive an education at their neighborhood school with their peers.

Click here for one possible person-first variation of the paragraph.

References

Self-Advocacy Association in NYS. (2012). Self advocacy in action television show (person first 1). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/user/sainaction

Students of Educational Assistant Program at Langara College, Vancouver, BC. (2012). People first language (color version). Retreved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYRXFAh_lvA