What is the People First Language equivalent for 'She's wheelchair bound'?

What is the People First Language equivalent for 'She's wheelchair bound'?

• A. Nora uses a wheelchair or mobility chair.
• B. Nora is wheelchair bound.
• C. Nora is confined to a wheelchair.
• D. Nora cannot walk.

Answer: (A)

Using person-first language means focusing on the person first and describing the disability as a characteristic, not the defining feature of who they are. In this example, saying “Nora uses a wheelchair or mobility chair” treats the wheelchair as a tool Nora uses, not something that defines her. This makes it the best choice because it respects Nora’s identity and autonomy, emphasizing that she is a person who happens to use a mobility aid. The other options frame Nora by the limitation or condition itself: “wheelchair bound” and “confined to a wheelchair” imply restriction and confinement, which can feel demeaning. “Cannot walk” centers the disability as Nora’s core attribute and can be inaccurate or unnecessary to state. Choosing language that centers the person and acknowledges the mobility aid as a support helps convey respect and dignity in care.

Using person-first language means focusing on the person first and describing the disability as a characteristic, not the defining feature of who they are. In this example, saying “Nora uses a wheelchair or mobility chair” treats the wheelchair as a tool Nora uses, not something that defines her.

This makes it the best choice because it respects Nora’s identity and autonomy, emphasizing that she is a person who happens to use a mobility aid. The other options frame Nora by the limitation or condition itself: “wheelchair bound” and “confined to a wheelchair” imply restriction and confinement, which can feel demeaning. “Cannot walk” centers the disability as Nora’s core attribute and can be inaccurate or unnecessary to state.

Choosing language that centers the person and acknowledges the mobility aid as a support helps convey respect and dignity in care.