Use People-First Language to Be More Inclusive

4 Min

Put the person before the disability with

people-first language.

The words you use can have a strong impact on the way you think

and behave, as well as how others feel regarding what you’re

talking about.

Let’s take a look at some guidelines for successfully employing people-first language in everyday life:

1. Emphasize the person instead of the condition

Instead of saying “quadriplegic,” say “person with quadriplegia.”

2. Focus on abilities instead of limitations

Instead of saying “he can’t walk,” say “he walks using crutches.”

3. Keep it simple instead of using patronizing language

Even newer, well-intentioned terms like “handicapable” can be

better expressed more simply as “person with a disability.”

4. Use terms correctly

Use “handicapped” to refer to a barrier created by people or the environment. Use “disability” to refer to a functional limitation that interferes with a person’s everyday life. You could say, “People with disabilities who use mobility scooters are handicapped by stairs.”

When you use people-first language you put a positive spin on the way people with disabilities are perceived.

Take a look at the handout on the next page to look at more examples of alternative,

people-first speech to use when talking about disabilities.

Use people-first language

View PDF

Remember that at the end of the day

no two people with disabilities are the same.

People may have personal preferences on what they would like to be called, so always find what people prefer

if you’re unsure.

Time for a quiz.

Sigurd notices that the language in his company’s policy handbook regarding

people with disabilities is outdated and focuses entirely on the limitations they

suffer from. What is the best version of language to use in the company

handbook when talking about disabilities?

Quiz 1 of 1

What is the best version of language to use in the company handbook?

a
"The disabled workers."
b
"The differently-abled workers."
c
"The workers with disabilities."
d
"The handicapped workers."

Answer: C: "The workers with disabilities."

This is the best example of people-first language. All the other

choices put the disability first or patronize the subjects.

Take the next step:

Download the handout so you always have a reference at hand for the

right language to use when talking about disabilities.

Use people-first language

View PDF

Use People First Language to Be More Inclusive

Video Transcript

Lesson complete