What is 'Person-First Language'?

What is 'Person-First Language'?

• A. Language that emphasizes the person before their disability (e.g., 'a person with a disability' instead of 'a disabled person').
• B. Language that describes only the disability.
• C. Slang terms for disability.
• D. Jargon used in care settings.

Answer: (A)

Person-first language means talking about a person as a person before naming their disability. In practice, you say “a person with a disability” rather than “a disabled person.” This framing respects the person’s dignity and identity, avoids defining them by their disability, and helps reduce stigma. It supports respectful, professional communication in care settings and keeps the focus on the individual’s humanity and abilities, not just the disability. If unsure how someone prefers to be described, ask respectfully. This approach contrasts with language that describes only the disability, uses slang terms, or relies on jargon.

Person-first language means talking about a person as a person before naming their disability. In practice, you say “a person with a disability” rather than “a disabled person.” This framing respects the person’s dignity and identity, avoids defining them by their disability, and helps reduce stigma. It supports respectful, professional communication in care settings and keeps the focus on the individual’s humanity and abilities, not just the disability. If unsure how someone prefers to be described, ask respectfully. This approach contrasts with language that describes only the disability, uses slang terms, or relies on jargon.