Inclusion Strategy #1: Our Language
Words can be powerful. The way we talk or write about people with disabilities is important to consider.
By using people-first language, you can recognize the person before their disability.
Here are some examples of people-first language.
People-first language when referring to a person with a disability:
- Person with a disability
- Person with a developmental disability
- Person with mental illness
- Person who is visually impaired
- Person who has multiple sclerosis
Other respectful language:
- Person without a disability (instead of "normal")
- Someone who is non-disabled