People First Language
| Language we can use to help others remember that people with disabilities are people first and should not be defined by their “label”. | ||
| Labels Not to Use | People First Language | |
| The handicapped or disabled | People with disabilities | |
| He is autistic | He has autism | |
| She is learning disabled | She has a learning disability | |
| He is mentally retarded | He has a cognitive impairment | |
| She suffers from a birth defect | She has a congenital disability | |
| He’s crippled | He has a physical impairment | |
| She needs handicapped parking | She needs accessible parking | |
| He is in special ed | He uses special ed services | |
| She has a problem with | She has a need for | |
| They are disabled | They have special needs | |
| We need help for the disabled with disabilities |
We need help in meeting the needs of people | |
| Normal or healthy kids | Typical kids | |
