Using person-first language to speak about members and volunteers

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Abstract

Knowing how to communicate effectively with all members and volunteers is crucial for those in national and community service. This effective practice, from the National Service Inclusion Project, summarizes what to do and what not to do when speaking with persons with disabilities, and was submitted in July 2006.

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Issue

For volunteers and members who would like to communicate with people with disabilities — their peers — in national and community service, but feel hesitant about saying the wrong thing, knowing the correct language to use goes a long way in breaking down barriers.

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Action

The following are guidelines for talking with, and about, a person with a disability:

  • Don't use: "The" anything. For example, "The blind," "The disabled," or "The autistic." This suggests that the speaker views people in terms of their disability and groups them into one undifferentiated category. This language is condescending and does not reflect the individuality, equality or dignity of people with disabilities.
    Do use: People with disabilities, people who are blind, people with autism. Deaf people is an exception because deafness is considered a cultural identity for part of the deaf population.
  • Don't use: "Handicapped." This term is outdated and implies that people with disabilities need charity. Disabilities don't handicap; attitudes and architecture handicap.
    Do use: "People with disabilities."
  • Don't use: "The disabled." An individual is a person before he/she is disabled. People with disabilities are individuals who share a common condition.
    Do use: "People with disabilities."
  • Don't use: "Admits she/he has a disability." Disability is not something people have to "admit" or needs to be disclosed.
    Do use: "Says she/he has a disability."
  • Don't use: "Normal," "Healthy," or "Whole," when speaking about people without disabilities as compared to people with disabilities. People with disabilities may also be normal, healthy and whole. This insinuates that a person with a disability is not normal.
    Do use: "Person without a disability."
  • Don't use: "Courageous." This implies the person has courage because of having a disability.
    Do use: "Successful" or "Productive."

More Does and Don'ts:

  • Don't use: retarded, mentally defective
    Do use: Person with an intellectual, cognitive, developmental disability
  • Don't use: afflicted by MS
    Do use: person who has multiple sclerosis
  • Don't use: CP victim
    Do use: person with cerebral palsy
  • Don't use: epileptic
    Do use: person with epilepsy, person with seizure disorder
  • Don't use: confined or restricted to a wheelchair
    Do use: person who uses a wheelchair
  • Don't use: stricken by MD
    Do use: person who has muscular dystrophy
  • Don't use: crippled, lame, deformed
    Do use: person with a physical disability
  • Don't use: dumb, mute
    Do use: unable to speak, uses synthetic speech
  • Don't use: crazy, nuts
    Do use: person with psychiatric disability

General Guidelines:

  • If you're unsure of the proper term or language to use, ask!
  • The best way to refer to someone with a disability is the same way we all like to be referred to: By name.
  • Remember to use "people first" language, i.e., "people with disabilities."

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Context

Biases against people with disabilities have been an unfortunate reality for a long time, but this is changing. Using appropriate language is something everyone can do to help increase awareness that persons with disabilities should be considered people first and not solely by their disability.

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Citation

Adapted from material developed by: The Mid-Hudson Library System Outreach Services Department, 103 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, New York, 12601; The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy; and the United Spinal Association.

Also, from APA.org, Removing Bias in Language.

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Outcome

The Americans with Disabilities Act, other laws and the efforts of many disability organizations have made advances in improving accessibility, educational and employment opportunities, and representation on television and in movies. However, progress is still needed in communication and interaction with people with disabilities.

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Posted On

August 2, 2006

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For More Information

Elesheva Soloff
National Service Inclusion Project
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125

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Resources

The Guide: NASDDDS Handbook on Inclusive Meetings and Presentations

Accommodations and Supports for Including Special Populations in Leadership and Decision Making Activities

Related Practices

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Related sites

Resource Center for Independent Living

U.S. Department of Labor: Office of Disability Employment Policy

Topic Areas

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