Why People First Language Is So Important
What is “People First Language” and what does it mean? People First Language refers to the individual first instead of their diagnosis. For instance, you would say, “Charlie has Down syndrome,” NOT “The Down syndrome kid, Charlie.” People First Language eliminates stereotypes, generalizations and assumptions about individuals, instead making the conversation about that person versus making it about their diagnosis. All people with Down syndrome are not alike, just like all people who have Autism are not alike. They each have their own personalities and characteristics making them, you guessed it, an individual.
Here are some other common sayings and their corrections:
“Downs kid.” Correction: “Charlie, who happens to have Down syndrome.”
“Jay’s Autistic.” Correction: “Jay has Autism.”
“The handicapped.” Correction: “People or individuals with disabilities.”
“She has a birth defect.” Correction: “She has a congenital disability.”
“He’s mentally retarded.” Correction: “He has a cognitive disability.” Note: The R word is a campaign in itself (R-Word.org). There is no reason to use this word. Aside from being negative, it’s outdated and incorrect terminology.
“She’s a downs.” Correction: “She has Down syndrome.”
If you’re struggling with the correct way to say something, always remember to put the individual before the disability.
As mentioned previously, individuals who have a disability are just as unique as those who don’t. They have their own likes and dislikes, looks, fashion sense, etc.
Kendra Eichler, ambassador for Save Down Syndrome and blogger (Dearest Rowan) posted on January 9th, 2019 about her daughter Rowan being an individual and not a “Down’s baby,” written from Rowan’s perspective.
“Wanna know a little secret of mine? Come closer... a little more.... Here goes! I take BIG offense to the statement that I am a "Down's" baby. I know it seems trivial but it is in fact very offensive to me (and my parents) because it simply is not true. Why? Because it does not accurately define me. I define me. So let's start with a little fact telling....
My name is Rowan Victoria.✨
I am six months old.
I have blue eyes and blonde hair.
I enjoy all the same things all babies my age enjoy - bottles, kisses and snuggles.
Bath time is my jam.
I love blowing bubbles and "talking" to anyone who holds me.
Sometimes I need a few towels here and there in my chair to support me while I play.. no biggie.
I love "standing".
I enjoy playing with my 3 sisters and 1 brother.
My Mom and Dad think I am a gift from above.
I am a baby.... a baby who happens to HAVE Down syndrome
You may forget these facts about me and trust me I do understand, it's a lot to remember. I simply prefer "people-first" language and quite honestly so should you. I will be patient with each of you and continue to remind you that I am a person who does not care for definitions. And well, if you forget more than once.... there's this lady in my life called "Mom" who will TELL you ;)
Love, Rowan❤ “
To read more from Kendra, you can follow her blog, Dearest Rowan, by clicking on the link below.