Person First Language

Person First Language puts the person before the disability. Person First Language works to eliminate old, prejudicial, and hurtful descriptors. Person First Language is not political correctness; instead, it demonstrates good manners, respect for others. Speakers should make reference to the person first then the disability. Speakers should say, “a person with a disability” rather than, “a disabled person”.

Examples of Person First Language

• People with disabilities.
• He has a cognitive disability/diagnosis.
• She has autism (or a diagnosis of...).
• He has Down syndrome (or a diagnosis of...).
• She has a learning disability (diagnosis).
• He has a physical disability (diagnosis).
• She’s of short stature/she’s a little person.
• He has a mental health condition/diagnosis.
• She uses a wheelchair/mobility chair.
• He receives special ed services.
• She has a developmental delay.
• Children without disabilities.
• Communicates with her eyes/device/etc.
   

Referenced from: www.disabilityisnatural.com