Person-First Language: Why It Matters & How to Use It Correctly

It is important to recognize the person as an individual with a disability rather than a disabled person because:

- Emphasizing the person: Acknowledging the individual as a person first highlights their humanity and individuality, focusing on their unique qualities and achievements.

- Avoiding labels and stereotypes: Reducing a person to "disabled" or "handicapped" can reinforce societal stereotypes, prejudices, and limitations for that person.

- Ensuring respectful language: By using person-centered language, we show respect and dignity to individuals with disabilities, recognizing that their disability is just one part of their identity.

- Empowering individuals: Using person-centered language empowers people with disabilities and places them on equal footing with others in society.

- Promoting equal opportunities: It emphasizes that individuals with disabilities should have the same opportunities and access as everyone else in all aspects of life.

- Supporting inclusion and diversity: Treating people with disabilities as individuals affirms their worth and supports an inclusive society that values and celebrates diversity.