Transcript Slide 1

People First
Language
Sticks & Stones
Think 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 & Stones
Sticks 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
“People First Language puts the person before the disability and
describes what a person has, not who a person is.”
“Old and inaccurate descriptors perpetuate negative stereotypes
and generate an incredibly powerful attitudinal barrier – the
greatest obstacle facing individuals with disabilities.”
“People First Language reflects good manners, not ‘political
correctness’ and it was started by individuals who said ‘We are not
our disabilities’.”
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/pflsh09.pdf
People First
Language
I WILL SAY:
INSTEAD OF:
People with disabilities.
Handicapped/disabled
Cognitive or intellectual disability
Mental retardation
Mike has autism
Mike is autistic
Accessible parking
Handicapped parking
“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.
Video of People First
Language

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
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Jill Egle is an author, international speaker, and
self-advocate for individuals with intellectual
disabilities.

https://vimeo.com/43469334
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“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
30 second timer
End
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“I am the inclusion teacher and will have
the students with disabilities in my class
this year.”
“I am the inclusion teacher and will have
the sped kids in my class this year.”
“Molly is a first grade student in my class;
she has a diagnosis of autism.”
“Molly is a first grade student in my class;
she is autistic.”
“Bryant receives special education services
and will be a part of the basketball team
this year.”
“Bryant is in special ed. and will be a part
of the basketball team this year.”
“Clay will utilize a wheelchair this year.”
“Clay is confined to a wheelchair this
year.”
“The school has made additional spaces
for accessible parking.”
“The school has made additional spaces
for handicapped parking.”
“Mrs. Jones will be teaching students without
disabilities rather than students receiving special
education services.”
“Mrs. Jones will be teaching normal students
rather than students receiving special education
services.”
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THANK YOU!!!!