What is the People First Language equivalent for 'She's a dwarf'?

What is the People First Language equivalent for 'She's a dwarf'?

• A. Mary has short stature.
• B. Mary is of short stature or is a little person.
• C. Mary is a little person.
• D. Mary has a dwarfism.

Answer: (B)

People First Language emphasizes describing the person before the condition, using wording that respects the individual's dignity. The best choice among these options avoids labeling the person and offers acceptable forms based on preference: "Mary is of short stature or is a little person." Using "of short stature" is a respectful descriptor, and acknowledging that some people identify with the term "little person" shows flexibility to individual preference. This aligns with describing the person, not the condition, and avoids the stigmatizing label "dwarf." Other options are less ideal because they either treat the person as defined by the condition, rely on identity-first language that not everyone prefers, or use awkward or grammatically off phrasing.

People First Language emphasizes describing the person before the condition, using wording that respects the individual's dignity. The best choice among these options avoids labeling the person and offers acceptable forms based on preference: "Mary is of short stature or is a little person." Using "of short stature" is a respectful descriptor, and acknowledging that some people identify with the term "little person" shows flexibility to individual preference. This aligns with describing the person, not the condition, and avoids the stigmatizing label "dwarf."

Other options are less ideal because they either treat the person as defined by the condition, rely on identity-first language that not everyone prefers, or use awkward or grammatically off phrasing.