People First Language (English and Spanish versions), Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Description:

People First Language- Everyone deserves dignity and respect. Yet historically, our words have contributed to negative attitudes and misrepresentations about the value of people with disabilities in our society. To end discrimination — at work, at school, and in our communities — it’s important to stop using language that denies a person's value, individuality, and capability. As its name implies, People-First Language puts the individual first and the disability second. It's an objective way to refer to people with disabilities. By focusing on the person rather than the disability, it aims to end harmful generalizations, assumptions, and stereotypes.