People First Language

Sticks & StonesThink back to a time when someone hurt

you with verbal sticks and stones. Choose a word/phrase to describe how that impacted

you.

Introductions

1. Name

2. District/School

3. Share the word you chose to describe how you felt about the sticks and stones.

Sticks & StonesSticks and stones may break the bones, but

words CAN hurt!

Goal: To develop awareness and sensitivity to words that refer to individuals and their

disabilities.

Objectives:

To understand the importance of the words chosen when referring to individuals with disabilities

To become aware of statements that represent People First Language

To apply People First Language to non-examples

People First Language

Kathie Snow. (n.d.) A few words about People First Language. Disability is Natural. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/images/PDF/pfl-sh09.pdf

Kathie Snow. (n.d.) A few words about People First Language. Disability is Natural. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/images/PDF/pfl-sh09.pdf

“People First Language puts the person before the disability and describes what a person has, not who a person is.”

“People First Language reflects good manners, not ‘political correctness’ and it was started by individuals who said ‘We are not our disabilities’.”

“Old and inaccurate descriptors perpetuate negative stereotypes and generate an incredibly powerful attitudinal barrier – the greatest obstacle facing individuals with disabilities.”

People First Language

“Language tends to shape beliefs about a person’s potential needs and desires “ [Hutchinson and McGill, 1992]. The language we use influences the way we see people and the way they see themselves.

“Language tends to shape beliefs about a person’s potential needs and desires “ [Hutchinson and McGill, 1992]. The language we use influences the way we see people and the way they see themselves.

I WILL SAY:

People with disabilities.

Cognitive or intellectual disability

Mike has autism

Accessible parking

INSTEAD OF:

Handicapped/disabled

Mental retardation

Mike is autistic

Handicapped parking

Video of People First Language

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ0pKPxoyHs This is part of my social marketing

campaign to raise awareness of the importance of utilizing people-

first language when referring to people who have developmental

or intellectual disabilities

Jill Egle is an author, international speaker, and self-advocate for individuals

with intellectual disabilities.

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https://vimeo.com/43469334

“Say This, Not That”• Small groups of 2-4 people• Read the statement and identify the problem• Using People First Language, generate a better way to say the

statement• Be prepared to share with the whole group

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30 second timer

“I am the inclusion teacher and will have the sped kids in my class this year.”

“I am the inclusion teacher and will have the students with disabilities in my class

this year.”

“Molly is a first grade student in my class; she is autistic.”

“Molly is a first grade student in my class; she has a diagnosis of autism.”

“Bryant is in special ed. and will be a part of the basketball team this year.”

“Bryant receives special education services and will be a part of the basketball team

this year.”

“Clay is confined to a wheelchair this year.”

“Clay will utilize a wheelchair this year.”

“The school has made additional spaces for handicapped parking.”

“The school has made additional spaces for accessible parking.”

“Mrs. Jones will be teaching normal students rather than students receiving special education

services.”

“Mrs. Jones will be teaching students without disabilities rather than students receiving special

education services.”

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THANK YOU!!!!