By Kamaria Kali, Search Inc. Administrative and Development Assistant

At JJ’s List, our goal is to equip businesses with tools and trainings to become more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. In the pursuit of creating inclusive and respectful environments, one important aspect of communication is the choice between person-first and identity-first language. Both approaches serve to honor individuals’ identities, but they do so in different ways. Understanding these differences is crucial for fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.

Person-First Language: Emphasizing the Person

Person-first language puts the individual before their disability. For example, instead of saying “a disabled person”, person-first language would say “a person with a disability.” This approach emphasizes the person as an individual, with their disability being just one aspect of who they are. The aim is to reinforce the idea that the disability does not define the entire person and is simply a part of their broader identity.

Many advocates and organizations support person-first language as it aligns with the idea of acknowledging a person’s humanity and individuality before their disability. This method seeks to avoid reducing a person to their disability and instead highlights their full range of attributes, skills, and experiences. At JJ’s List, we prefer person-first language and we have a helpful resource about how to use it properly.

Identity-First Language: Embracing the Disability

In contrast, identity-first language places the disability at the forefront. For instance, saying “a disabled person” or “an autistic individual” uses the disability as a primary identifier. This approach is sometimes preferred within the disability community itself, as it aligns with the belief that disability is an integral part of one’s identity and should be embraced as such. The National Institute of Health states, “Many people in the autism community also prefer identity-first language. They view autism as a central and important part of their identity and take pride in it.”

Advocates for identity-first language argue that disabilities are not merely characteristics to be listed but central to the individual’s sense of self. By adopting this language, people affirm that disabilities are a fundamental and valuable aspect of who they are, not something that needs to be separated from their identity.

Choosing the Right Language: Respect and Context

The choice between person-first and identity-first language is often a matter of personal preference and context. It is important to consider the preferences of the individuals being described and the context in which the language is used. Engaging with the community and listening to their feedback is essential for respectful communication. Disability Rights Texas conducted a social media poll where 11% of respondents preferred identity-first language, 56% preferred people-first language, 26% were okay with using either, and 7% answered other.

For organizations and advocates, understanding and respecting language preferences can greatly impact inclusivity efforts. It shows a commitment to honoring individuals’ identities and fosters an environment where people with disabilities feel valued and understood. When you are not sure, it’s best to ask the person their preferences. It can also be helpful to default to using person-first language.

We asked a few people supported by Search what language style they prefer to gain more insight:

Pam: “I prefer person-first language because it feels right to my heart. I feel more respected. Sometimes, I want to use identity-first language because I want to be proud of my disability.”

Abby: “I like person-first language for people I don’t know. But once I get to know them, I use identity-first language because I thought they should know about me instead of judging me first. They would know about my accommodation if I disclosed it first.”

Kiefer: “I prefer person-first language because I don’t like naming my disability right away.”

Anthony: “I like person-first language because I feel more welcome.”

Both person-first and identity-first language approaches have their merits and reflect different perspectives on disability and identity. The key to respectful communication lies in recognizing and honoring individual preferences and understanding the impact of the language we use. By being mindful, we can contribute to a more inclusive and respectful society.

Sources:

Identity-First Language vs. People-First Language

JJ’s List

Person-First and Identity-First Language

Writing Respectfully: Person-First and Identity-First Language