22 Person-First vs. Identity-First Language (3.3.1)
Verna Johnson
Using Respectful and Inclusive Language in the Workplace
The language we use shapes how others feel, and respectful, inclusive language promotes dignity, belonging, and professionalism in the workplace. The following are some best practices for using appropriate language when referring to people, particularly those with disabilities.
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Use accurate and respectful terminology to the best of your ability.
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Model inclusive language for others.
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Be open to learning and correcting your own language.
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If appropriate, kindly inform others when they use outdated or offensive terms.
Person-First Language
The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) defines person-first language as language that puts the person before the disability. For example:
“Person who is blind”
“People with spinal cord injuries”
This approach emphasizes that people are more than their disabilities.
In contrast, identity-first language places the disability first—for example, saying “autistic person” or “disabled person.” Some individuals, particularly in certain communities such as the autistic and Deaf communities, prefer identity-first language because they view their disability as a core part of their identity.
According to EARN (n.d.), “Person-first or identity-first language is equally appropriate depending on personal preference. Ask the person which they prefer.”
It’s also important to note that:
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Person-first language is often used in formal or professional settings.
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Identity-first language is more commonly used by younger generations and within some disability communities.
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How someone chooses to identify is their personal choice and should be respected.
Examples of Inclusive, Person-First Language
Table 3.1 below shows examples of respectful alternatives to outdated or harmful phrases.
Table 3.1: Affirmative and Negative Phrases
| Affirmative Phrases | Negative Phrases |
|---|---|
| Person with an intellectual, cognitive, or developmental disability | Retarded, Mentally defective |
| Person who is blind, Person who is visually impaired | The blind |
| Person with a disability | The disabled, Handicapped |
| Person who is deaf | The deaf, Deaf and dumb |
| Person who is hard of hearing | Suffers a hearing loss |
| Person who has multiple sclerosis | Afflicted by MS |
| Person with cerebral palsy | CP victim |
| Person with epilepsy, Person with a seizure disorder | Epileptic |
| Person who uses a wheelchair | Wheelchair bound, Confined to a wheelchair |
| Person who has muscular dystrophy | Stricken by MD |
| Person with a physical disability | Crippled, Lame, Deformed |
| Person who is unable to speak, Person who uses synthetic speech | Dumb, Mute |
| Person with a psychiatric disability | Crazy, Nuts |
| Person who is successful, productive | Has overcome his/her disability, Is courageous (when it implies the person has courage because of having a disability) |
| Person who is in recovery from a substance use disorder | Addict |
(Source: EARN, n.d.)
Attribution
This section was adapted from “Person-First and Identity-First Language” and is used under Section 30.04 of The Copyright Act.
Reference(s)
References are at the end of this chapter.
