What is Person-First or Person-Centered Language?<\/h2>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Housing-Crisis-Blog-Image-1024x731-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Using person-centered or person-first language means acknowledging that people are so much more than their disability. This is in contrast to deficit-based language, which identifies people according to ableist misconceptions assumed weaknesses, or misunderstood medical conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For example, if someone describes an individual as \u201c wheelchair bound,\u201d it\u2019s reducing them down to their disability instead of recognizing their ability to navigate the world using a wheelchair as a wheelchair user. Instead of a member of a community, they become a series of assumed weaknesses that essentially regard that individual as less than a real person. Similarly, referring to someone as a \u201cspecial needs individual\u201d insinuates that their needs are extra than those around them, rather than a person with needs that are thus far unmet or unfulfilled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
As advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities<\/a>, we at ALSO view each person that we support as a whole person who has many strengths, weaknesses, abilities, disabilities, and goals. Person-centered language focuses on the importance of acknowledging these same valued\u00a0traits and characteristics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Also very important is that it\u2019s a compassionate way of regarding a person: it gives the benefit of the doubt and a clear understanding of their needs. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With just a few small changes, we can transform the way we communicate into the language of respect and dignity. Here are just a few person-centered language examples:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Admittedly, making these changes may seem overwhelming at first. Most people find that, as they practice language that is person-centered, it becomes progressively easier to change the habit. What’s extremely rewarding is when family, friends, and community members (such as employers) learn the value of person-centered language. It results in\u00a0an extremely empowering and confidence-building experience for the people that we support.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Over the years, many people with disabilities and self-advocates have voiced a preference for an additional kind of language.\u00a0It\u00a0is called, \u201cIdentity-First Language.\u201d This type of language is meant to convey a disability as an important part of the person\u2019s identity. In other words, they don’t consider their personhood to be separated from their disability. Here are some examples of groups that may prefer identity-first language:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Many individuals see their disability or condition as a fundamental part of who they are.\u00a0 In addition, it\u2019s an expression of solidarity with specific groups of people who may have the same (or similar) disabilities. This point of view creates a sense of community and can be very empowering. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n One of the most important things that we have learned thus far is that people can be quite different in the way that they would like others to refer to them. When you think about it, this is quite understandable! If we don\u2019t respect the wishes of others in this regard, we are attempting to deny them of their self-agency.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Jevon Okundaye is a Black autistic man who graduated from Tufts University in 2019. His preference is identity-first language because of his desire to stand with the autistic community. Jevon, who has additional expertise in self-advocacy, recommends not making assumptions about others, and simply asking about their preferred language. In addition, it\u2019s always helpful to research the general consensus of various groups.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Learn more about self-advocacy<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Read our Spotlight on ALSO self-advocate Kaaren Londahl<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Person-centered language is also extremely valuable when describing actions, behaviors, and situations that the people we support might experience. If we aren\u2019t careful, we can mistakenly label people with negative traits.\u00a0When ALSO professionals talk to family members, the people we support, we\u00a0view people with empathy rather than reducing behaviors to labels. This is the case even when we talk to our colleagues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n These changes to patient-centered language describe the people we support in a more positive, dignified way. It avoids the danger of labeling\u00a0and putting someone into the negative category of \u201cresistive,\u201d or \u201cattention-seeking.\u201d Even when using the word \u201cweaknesses\u201d, it reinforces a stereotype that those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (or any other condition or disability) are destined to remain somehow less able than others. Framing a “weakness” in the form of a “barrier to achieving goals” creates a higher potential for success.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The use of person-centered language is beneficial even when describing the numerous treatment strategies involved in\u00a0supported living programming. As we describe how we provide assistance, we use language that is respectful, empowering, and empathetic. \u00a0For example, an \u201couting\u201d can be seen as a passive activity, whereas a trip to a\u00a0shopping mall or grocery store is much more productive and engaging. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Advocates, researchers, clinical experts and thought leaders are consistent in emphasizing the power and value of person-centered and identity-first language. Evidence suggests that it is a factor in positive outcomes and recovery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n An even more fundamental rationale for the value of person-centered language\u00a0is found in the following three words:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cWords create worlds.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n -Unknown<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Experts at the Center for Practice Transformation remind us that the way we describe people with disabilities can easily influence how others, including potential employers, family, teachers, and other community members perceive that person. Even more critical is the realization that it influences how the people we support may perceive themselves and their future potential.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This means that the words we use (written or spoken) have a major impact on a person\u2019s mental and physical well-being. There is an art and science that\u00a0make words either harmful or empowering. It\u2019s all about respecting the unique qualities, strengths, and abilities of the people we support. It\u2019s exactly those abilities<\/em> that are the building blocks of successful living in the home, community, and workplace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n At ALSO, we know that respectful words matter a great deal. Therefore, we fully embrace the concept of person-first\/person-centered language. It is part of\u00a0an entire person-centered approach which holds that empowerment\u00a0and dignity of the individual is of paramount significance. All of our advocates are constantly striving to inform and educate all members of the community about how this method of communication is extremely beneficial in helping individuals to reach their maximum abilities in the least restrictive environment possible.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As we continually improve our own knowledge with research, collaboration, and continuing education, we also share this knowledge with our business partners, educators, and other support system members. The result of this effort is an improved quality of life<\/a> not only for the people that we support. An additional bonus is the transformation of other community members as they learn about\u00a0inclusivity, equity, and diversity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n All aspects of the person-centered approach go hand-in-hand with the values<\/a> that guide the heart work at ALSO<\/a>: Trust, Teamwork, Innovation, Dignity, Respect, Accountability, and Humility. Together, the way we communicate, the way we advocate, and the way we care, makes a\u00a0\u00a0difference in\u00a0 the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples of Person-Centered Language<\/h2>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/appropriate-person-centered-language-721x1024-1.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat is Identity-First Language?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
Ask Individuals How They Would Like to Identify<\/h2>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/KM_Heart_Work_2022_Shot_06_0766-1024x731-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPerson-Centered Language Can Prevent Labeling<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Some Examples of Person-Centered Language and Specific Traits\/Actions:<\/h3>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n Instead of…<\/strong><\/em><\/td>\r\n Person-centered language would be…<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n Refusal<\/td>\r\n Doesn’t want to do something<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n Attention-seeker<\/td>\r\n Someone who has not had their social needs met<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n Resistant<\/td>\r\n Chooses not to; Not open to<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n Weaknesses<\/td>\r\n Barriers to achieving goals or meeting needs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n Suffering with<\/td>\r\n Working to recover from; Living with; Experiencing<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Why is Person-First and Identity-First Language Important?<\/h2>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/front_page_2-1024x587-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKey Points to Remember<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
In Conclusion: Respecting the Right to Self-Identify<\/h2>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/20211021-Also-03289-1024x732-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n