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Blog On...
Why should people
use People First language?
Mike: Just noticed this
timely article about People First language in Wyoming... Sherri: I think this blog is coming together well! People are able to voice their opinions in a safe place, when in reality, we are just people getting to know each other's thoughts. It brings peace to my mind to know everyone is respecting each other. Posted 2/1/08 Glen: I believe that it is always good to use People First language so that you show respect for all people. As it said in the article, we are PEOPLE FIRST. I also find that, a lot of the time, knowing the person to whom you are talking to makes a big difference in what language you are going to use. There are a lot of sentences in the part "how to say it" that some people might not use, and some people with a disability might find it uncomfortable using. Knowing and understanding the people is what I feel is the key point here. Posted 2/1/08 Shelly: I like what Sheri said about not acting like you understand what I need. Ask me, if I need your help I'll tell you. I would say that the person uses a wheelchair for help to get around [instead of 'wheelchair bound']. Also say something like, "they never let their disability slow them down." If you run into someone who has a problem with hearing, take your time and make sure that the person understands what you are saying to them. It is important to look at the person at all times. I agree with Mike! We need to stop using labels to define people; labels belong on jars, not on people! Posted 1/31/08 Mary Ann: I think the problem is how the media refers to people with disabilities. Most people want to use respectful language, so they use the terms they see/hear on television, radio, and in the newspapers. "Disabled person" or "disabled community" are commonly used. Maybe we should send "Think Before You Speak" to our local newspapers! Are there any self-advocates out there that want to take this on??? Posted 1/31/08 Mike:
I think it’s very important to use “People First” language…
when talking to or about anyone. It’s high time we
stopped using labels to define people. Labeling is a way to put
someone into a tight little box. Then we feel we can safely
handle them. They become a “thing” to be solved, a “problem” to
be puzzled about, or just an issue to be ignored.
Cory: I sure appreciated Sheri's comments! Especially her comment on how to refer to someone who is not limited by their limitations. Posted 1/30/08 Meghean: When I read "Think Before You Speak", I learned that you can't put the disabilities in before the person. When I read this article, I was really amazed of how good of a job they did of describing the people with disabilities. I can relate to that because I use to work with people with disabilities. Some people like myself are very sensitive about labeling others with words that should not be used. I also learned that a person with a disability doesn't always need help and you shouldn't ask before they even start on something. When I used to work with people with disabilities, it was a great experience. Posted 1/29/08 Laura: I very much enjoyed reading your thoughts on People First Language. It is one of those "foundation blocks" of thought. Once you look people in the eye, you see only the person and that is all we are meant to see. It is a window into the soul. Words like "wheelchair bound" take away the soul and humanity of the individual. We don't need labels only windows into the soul. Keep blogging! Great job. Posted 1/29/08 Sherri:
1) Don't pretend to understand when you support someone with
the disabilities. Go ahead and ask the person questions to better
understand how to support the person. How may I help you? 2) How
would you refer to someone in a wheelchair? "Kelly uses a
wheelchair" not "Kelly is wheelchair bound." 3) "Isn't it
wonderful that he has overcome his disability?" Say instead,
"John's disability never slows him down." Cory: I learned a lot of useful information from "Think Before You Speak." Especially for dealing with, and interacting with people who are visually impaired, deaf, speech difficulties, and those persons who use wheelchairs, seeing as I work with people with all those considerations at my other job at ARC. More specifically what I will do is to maintain eye contact with everyone I talk to, even my friends who cannot see. I will listen to everyone I communicate with, even those who cannot hear with their ears, but listen with their eyes instead! I won't feel ashamed of my need to communicate with paper and pen with such individuals, seeing my sign language is not the best. I will be better at asking for assistance first when interacting with others, especially with those who use wheel chairs, as I have a tendency of offering to do too much instead of offering to help when help is needed. I will learn to be patient, repeat what I thought I understood and use body language when communicating with those who are slow in speech. I'm grateful to have such rich
interaction with persons of such a wide range of abilities, and
I'm realizing now that everyone has special gifts that I can
take notice of. Even though we all are different, there is a
commonality that unites us all as members of the human family.
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