Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor
As we embark on the new year, we kindly remind everyone to be mindful of the preferences of individuals with disabilities when communicating with and about them.
Words shape how we see people—and how people see themselves. Person-first language is a way of speaking and writing that puts the individual before a condition, diagnosis, or disability. Instead of defining someone by one characteristic related to their disability or only their disability, using person first language recognizes the whole person first. For example, saying “a person with a disability” emphasizes that disability is just one part of who they are, not their entire identity. This small shift in language can make a big difference. It helps reduce stigma, avoids stereotypes, and promotes respect and dignity.
Person-first language is especially important in education, healthcare, and media, where words influence attitudes and decisions. However, it is also important in customer service and places we frequent in the community. When professionals and communicators choose respectful language, they help create more inclusive environments where people feel valued rather than labeled. When we incorporate these simple considerations into our conversations at work, and among our family and friends, we are actively part of the greater shift toward a culture of respect for one another. That said, it’s also important to listen. Some communities prefer identity-first language (such as “autistic person”) as a way of embracing identity and pride. Respect means being open to individual and community preferences. Everyone is unique, and their preferences may differ.
This brings me to highlight the importance of presuming competence in those with disabilities, which means starting from the belief that a person is capable of thinking, learning, understanding, and communicating, even if they communicate, move, or behave in ways that are different from what society expects. Rather than assuming limitations, presuming competence means giving people access and opportunity before judging ability.
What it looks like in practice
- Speaking directly to the person, not only to caregivers or aides
- Offering choices, in education, materials and opportunities
- Providing communication supports (AAC devices, visuals, extra time)
- Avoiding “baby talk” or oversimplifying unless the person asks for it
- Allowing someone to try and learn, even if progress is slow
Many people with disabilities—especially those with intellectual, developmental, or communication disabilities—have historically been underestimated. When competence is not presumed, people may be excluded from education or decision-making, spoken about instead of spoken to, or denied opportunities to show what they know. Presuming competence helps protect dignity, supports inclusion, and often reveals abilities that might otherwise be missed.
As a person that uses a wheelchair and with cerebral palsy, the number of times people at restaurants, stores, service providers, etc. who direct their conversation to a family member that may be with me, instead of to me, are too many to count. My family member will typically direct the comment/question to me, or pause for me to respond. I’ve learned that most people mean well and likely have not had experiences around people that may look and move like I do. Even after it becomes clear that I can speak for myself, some individuals will still jump right back to asking those that are with me, additional comments/questions or my preferences. We are used to the cycle of my family redirecting back to me. I do think these experiences have brought awareness to many people along the way that might have assumed those with physical disabilities can’t communicate or participate in the conversation with others. Another example I experience is sometimes people are not sure how to include me in certain activities, so my participation is awkward in a variety of ways, sometimes frustrating, or they don’t include me at all. As with everyone, there are some activities I am just not able to do, but the most successful experiences have been when someone asks me how I can participate or is open to my ideas of how I could be involved.
We can all find ways to be a kinder and more thoughtful about what we say and do and including and practicing person first language and presuming competence. Being intentional about this can help build a more understanding and inclusive world.
Here are a few additional resources for your reference:
· National Institutes of Health (NIH) Style Guide: Person-First Destigmatizing Language- additional examples of person first language
· ADA National Network Guidelines for Writing About People With Disabilities
· SNRD Space (YouTube) What is Person-First Language? | Respectful Communication Explained importance of people-first language—a way of speaking that puts the person before the condition. Whether you're a student, educator, healthcare professional, or just someone who wants to communicate more thoughtfully, this video breaks down the concept with easy examples and tips for everyday use.
Have any comments on Access Angle articles or ideas for future topics? Feel free to reach out to me at gryan@schoolhealth.com.