The Arc Learns About People First Language

At the September 1, 2010 meeting of The Arc of Southeast Missouri, Gloria Shell of People First of Sikeston presented information on "People First Language." People First Language puts the person before the disability. People First language describes what a person HAS, not what a person IS. For example, rather than referring to "the disabled" People First Lanquage promotes use of "people with disabilities." Instead of referring to a child as "a Downs child" or saying "he's autistic," we recognize that the child is--first--a child, and say "she has Down syndrome" or "he has autism." Rather than referring to a person being "wheelchair bound," or parking in "wheelchair parking," we might more accurately say that the person "uses a wheelchair" or parks in "accessible parking." Much more than just being politically correct, People First Language reflects the fact that people are individuals first, that people with disabilities are more like people without disabilities than they are different, and that each individual has value and unique abilities.

People with disabilities are the largest minority group in our country. This group includes people of both genders and all religions, ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic levels. Many people who do not now have a disability will have one in the future.

The Arc of Southeast Missouri works to promote positive perceptions and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. The next meeting of The Arc of Southeast Missouri is scheduled for Wednesday, October 6, 2010 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. All individuals interested in working together in this mission are invited to attend.