Person First Language Examples: A Guide to Using Inclusive Language

Person-first language is a respectful way to refer to people with disabilities or other marginalized groups. It emphasizes the person's humanity first, rather than their disability or other characteristics.

Here are some examples of person-first language:

• Instead of: "disabled person"
• Use: "person with a disability"
• Instead of: "mentally ill person"
• Use: "person with a mental illness"
• Instead of: "autistic person"
• Use: "person with autism"

Using person-first language can help to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. It can also help to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Benefits of Using Person-First Language

There are many benefits to using person-first language, including:

• It promotes respect: Person-first language shows that you value the person behind the disability.
• It reduces stigma: Person-first language can help to reduce the stigma associated with disabilities.
• It creates a more inclusive environment: Person-first language helps to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
• It empowers people with disabilities: Person-first language can help to empower people with disabilities by giving them a voice.

Tips for Using Person-First Language

Here are some tips for using person-first language:

• Use the person's name first. This is the most important tip of all. When you use the person's name first, it shows that you are referring to them as an individual, not as a disability.
• Be specific. Instead of saying "person with a disability," say "person with a physical disability" or "person with a mental illness." This will help to avoid making generalizations about people with disabilities.
• Avoid using labels. Labels can be dehumanizing and stigmatizing. Instead of saying "autistic person," say "person with autism."
• Be respectful. Always be respectful of the person you are speaking to. This means listening to them and using language that they are comfortable with.

Person-First Language in the Workplace

Person-first language is especially important in the workplace. It can help to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for employees with disabilities. Here are some tips for using person-first language in the workplace:

• When hiring: When you are interviewing job candidates, use person-first language. This will show that you are open to hiring people with disabilities.
• In the workplace: Use person-first language when you are talking to your employees, colleagues, and customers. This will help to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
• In written communications: Use person-first language in all of your written communications, including emails, memos, and reports. This will help to ensure that your communications are inclusive and respectful.

Person-First Language in the Media

The media has a powerful influence on how people think about disabilities. It is important for the media to use person-first language when reporting on disabilities. This can help to reduce stigma and discrimination. Here are some tips for using person-first language in the media:

• When writing about people with disabilities: Use person-first language when you are writing about people with disabilities. This will help to show that you are respecting them as individuals.
• When interviewing people with disabilities: When you are interviewing people with disabilities, use person-first language. This will help to create a comfortable and respectful environment for the interviewee.
• When writing about disability issues: When you are writing about disability issues, use person-first language. This will help to ensure that your writing is inclusive and respectful.

Conclusion

Using person-first language is a simple way to show respect for people with disabilities. It can help to reduce stigma and discrimination, create a more inclusive environment, and empower people with disabilities.

FAQs about Person First Language

1. What is person-first language?
Person-first language is a respectful way to refer to people with disabilities. It emphasizes the person's humanity first, rather than their disability or other characteristics.

2. Why is it important to use person-first language?
Person-first language is important because it shows respect for people with disabilities, reduces stigma, creates a more inclusive environment, and empowers people with disabilities.

3. What are some examples of person-first language?
Here are some examples of person-first language:
* Instead of "disabled person," use "person with a disability"
* Instead of "mentally ill person," use "person with a mental illness"
* Instead of "autistic person," use "person with autism"

4. How can I use person-first language in my everyday life?
Here are some tips for using person-first language in your everyday life:
* Use the person's name first.
* Be specific.
* Avoid using labels.
* Be respectful.

5. What are some benefits of using person-first language in the workplace?
Person-first language can help to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for employees with disabilities. It can also help to reduce stigma and discrimination.

6. What are some tips for using person-first language in the media?
Here are some tips for using person-first language in the media:
* When writing about people with disabilities, use person-first language.
* When interviewing people with disabilities, use person-first language.
* When writing about disability issues, use person-first language.