What is the core definition of 'People First Language'?

What is the core definition of 'People First Language'?

• A. Language that describes what a person has rather than who they are
• B. Language that labels people by their disability
• C. Language that puts the person before the disability and describes what a person has, rather than who they are
• D. Language that denies the person has a disability

Answer: (C)

Person First Language means placing the person before the disability and describing what a person has rather than defining them by the disability. In practice, you would say “a person with a disability” instead of “a disabled person,” focusing on the individual first and noting the disability as one aspect of who they are. This approach helps reduce stigma, honors dignity, and supports inclusion in care settings. While some people may prefer different phrasing, the standard teaching emphasizes describing the person first and then the condition, which is why the offered correct choice reflects putting the person before the disability and describing what the person has, rather than defining them by the disability.

Person First Language means placing the person before the disability and describing what a person has rather than defining them by the disability. In practice, you would say “a person with a disability” instead of “a disabled person,” focusing on the individual first and noting the disability as one aspect of who they are. This approach helps reduce stigma, honors dignity, and supports inclusion in care settings. While some people may prefer different phrasing, the standard teaching emphasizes describing the person first and then the condition, which is why the offered correct choice reflects putting the person before the disability and describing what the person has, rather than defining them by the disability.