This fall I started my teaching licensure/masters program in Special Education. I am in a program, at the University of St. Thomas – Minneapolis, called Collaborative Urban Education (CUE) . As a graduate of the CUE program I am required to be proficient in person-first language (identifying the person before the disability). While person-first language is generally accepted, a blogger I follow, Autistic Hoya, has opened my eyes to a critique of person-first language.
After perusing Autistic Hoya’s blog a bit more, I found a really interesting piece on ableist language. What I found most intriguing was a list of insults that were NOT ABLEIST. Often times we are told, or tell others, of things we canNOT say. Although I feel wrong getting excited over insults, it is refreshing to see that someone has worked hard to provide a list of alternative language. It is helpful having replacement language for words that are so rampant in our society. When confronting a person about abelist, or insulting language, having an alternative can make it easier for both parties.
If you find yourself in need of an insult:
Always respect an individual person’s preference for identifying or describing xirself.
For insulting people:
Here are examples of person-first language:
For describing people with disabilities/disabled people in general:
Has a disability
With a disability
With a chronic health condition
Has a chronic health condition
For describing people on the autism spectrum:
On the autism spectrum
With autism [if preferred by individual]
Aspie [if preferred by individual]
For describing people with intellectual disabilities:
With an intellectual disability
Has an intellectual disability
With a cognitive disability
Has a cognitive disability
For describing people with sensory disabilities or impairments:
Hard of hearing
For describing people with physical or mobility disabilities:
With a physical disability
With a mobility disability
Uses a wheelchair
In a wheelchair
Uses a cane
Uses a walker
Has [specific condition here]
What are you thoughts on person-first language?
Did you find this list of insults helpful?