Which statement best summarizes the core idea of People First Language?

Which statement best summarizes the core idea of People First Language?

• A. The disability should define the person.
• B. The person is described first, before the disability.
• C. The language should avoid the person entirely.
• D. Medical terminology should be used in every description.

Answer: (B)

People First Language centers on describing the person before the disability to emphasize personhood and dignity. This means talking about the individual first, with the disability as just one aspect of who they are. The best statement reflects that approach by saying the person is described first, before the disability. In practice, you would say “a person with a disability” rather than labeling them by the disability itself. This shifts the focus to the person’s entire identity, not just the condition, and helps reduce stigma in everyday care, notes, and conversations. Choosing language that defines the person by the disability assigns a sole and limiting identity to them, which is disrespectful. Saying the language should avoid the person entirely strips away their humanity in description. Relying on medical terminology in every description can strip away the person’s individuality and place emphasis only on diagnosis.

People First Language centers on describing the person before the disability to emphasize personhood and dignity. This means talking about the individual first, with the disability as just one aspect of who they are.

The best statement reflects that approach by saying the person is described first, before the disability. In practice, you would say “a person with a disability” rather than labeling them by the disability itself. This shifts the focus to the person’s entire identity, not just the condition, and helps reduce stigma in everyday care, notes, and conversations.

Choosing language that defines the person by the disability assigns a sole and limiting identity to them, which is disrespectful. Saying the language should avoid the person entirely strips away their humanity in description. Relying on medical terminology in every description can strip away the person’s individuality and place emphasis only on diagnosis.