What is the origin of the 'People First Language' movement?

What is the origin of the 'People First Language' movement?

• A. It originated as a medical model.
• B. It is a modern marketing term.
• C. It was created by individuals with disabilities who asserted that they are people first, not their disabilities.
• D. It was created by policymakers.

Answer: (C)

People First Language grew out of the disability rights movement and was created by people with disabilities who argued that you should recognize the person before the disability. They believed labeling someone by the disability reduces them to that trait and can reinforce stigma, so using phrases like “a person with a disability” keeps the person at the center of the description. This shift promotes dignity, autonomy, and inclusion in everyday life and care interactions. It isn’t a medical model, a marketing term, or something handed down by policymakers—it comes from the disability community itself.

People First Language grew out of the disability rights movement and was created by people with disabilities who argued that you should recognize the person before the disability. They believed labeling someone by the disability reduces them to that trait and can reinforce stigma, so using phrases like “a person with a disability” keeps the person at the center of the description. This shift promotes dignity, autonomy, and inclusion in everyday life and care interactions. It isn’t a medical model, a marketing term, or something handed down by policymakers—it comes from the disability community itself.