People First Language

To ensure Inclusion, Freedom, and Respect

for all, it's time to embrace

PEOPLE FIRST LANGUAGE

A commentary by Kathie Snow

www.disabilityisnatural.com

Did you know that people with disabilities constitute our nation’s largest minority group (one in five Americans has a disability)? It is also the most inclusive and most diverse group: all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic levels are represented.

I use your People First Language

article in my university courses

(graduate and undergraduate).

It's extremely well-written,

clear, and user-friendly.

Thanks for providing and sharing

all your wonderful information.

Julia Scherba deValenzuela, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Special Education

University of New Mexico

Contrary to conventional wisdom, individuals with disabilities are not:
• People who suffer from the tragedy of birth defects.
• Paraplegic heroes who struggle to become normal again.
• Victims who fight to overcome their challenges.

Nor are they the retarded, autistic, blind, deaf, learning disabled, etc.—ad nauseam!

They are people: moms and dads; sons and daughters; employees and employers; friends and neighbors; students and teachers; scientists, reporters, doctors, actors, presidents, and more. People with disabilities are people, first . . . (Click here to read the entire article)

See the Terms of Use at the bottom of the page.

People First Language Bookmarks and Poster

available at the Disability is Natural Online Store.

Click to download the one page (short version) of "People First Language."

Click to download the "People First Language" Chart.

Click to download the Spanish version.

Educate children about People First Language and disability issues with

"Same and Different: Respect for All"

A two-page "primer" for children, with supplementary info for parents and teachers.

Click to download "Same and Different."

Learn why it's time to retire the "special needs" descriptor!

Visit the Disability is Natural Online Store for products that promote New Ways of Thinking!

**Check out the Disability is Natural DVD and companion poster,**

bookmarks, posters, magnets, and other goodies!

Visit the Revolutionary Common Sense page for other new ways of thinking!

TERMS OF USE:

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You may print website pages and/or print and make copies of

PDF downloads for your own personal use

and/or to share with others as a handout.

As a courtesy, please let me know how you use the article.

REPUBLICATION OF ARTICLES:

Do not violate copyright law!

Request permission for, and information about, republishing

any articles in newsletters, other websites, blogs, listserves, etc.

USE OF EXCERPTS:

Per "fair use" standards of intellectual property and copyright law,

brief quotes may be used, so long as proper citation/source is included,

e.g. author's name, article title, web address, etc.

Contact kathie@disabilityisnatural.com for more information.

Click Here to download Acrobat Reader

1/13/08

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Our words reflect the way we think, so let's get rid of descriptors like "handicapped, physically disabled, mentally retarded, learning disabled" and other words that focus on the condition instead of the person. People First Language promotes dignity and respect for all!

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