Accessibility: Understanding Person First and Identity First disability language

Summary

This video explores the difference between Person-first language (PFL) and Identity-first language (IFL) when discussing disability. It explains how PFL emerged from the People First movement to emphasize that individuals with disabilities are people first, while IFL acknowledges disability as an integral part of a person's identity. The script highlights evolving language preferences, with younger generations increasingly favoring IFL, and emphasizes the importance of respecting individual preferences. The facilitator also encourages viewers to ask and stay updated as language norms continue to evolve in the disability community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Person-First Language (PFL) emphasizes that people with disabilities are first and foremost individuals.
• 😀 Identity-First Language (IFL) prioritizes the disability as an integral part of a person’s identity.
• 😀 PFL became widely used through the People First movement, which aimed to humanize and center people with disabilities.
• 😀 IFL is advocated by many disability activists, who feel that disability is an inseparable part of who they are.
• 😀 Some individuals and organizations prefer one language over the other, but preferences can vary widely.
• 😀 Academics and government agencies often use PFL, while many disability advocates and young people prefer IFL.
• 😀 It’s important to ask individuals or consult organizations about their preferred terminology regarding disability.
• 😀 Young people sometimes view PFL as outdated, feeling it separates them from their disability and dehumanizes them.
• 😀 IFL can reflect how individuals with disabilities experience the world, as disability is often a central aspect of their identity.
• 😀 Language around disability is evolving, and understanding preferences is key to respectful communication.
• 😀 In the next video, the facilitator will address terms and expressions that should be avoided when talking about disability.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between Person-first Language (PFL) and Identity-first Language (IFL)?

Person-first Language (PFL) places the individual before their disability (e.g., 'a person with Down syndrome'), whereas Identity-first Language (IFL) places the disability before the person (e.g., 'an autistic boy').

Why was Person-first Language (PFL) introduced, and what does it signify?

Person-first Language was introduced as part of the People First movement. It emphasizes that people with disabilities are first and foremost individuals, rather than being defined by their disabilities.

What does Identity-first Language (IFL) acknowledge about a person with a disability?

Identity-first Language acknowledges that a disability is an integral part of a person’s identity and how they navigate the world. It highlights the significance of the disability in shaping their experiences.

Why do some people with disabilities prefer Identity-first Language (IFL) over Person-first Language (PFL)?

Some people prefer IFL because they feel their disability is an important part of who they are, and using IFL avoids separating them from it. For them, the disability is not something to be minimized or avoided.

Which groups or professionals tend to favor Person-first Language (PFL)?

Academics, healthcare professionals, and some government agencies tend to favor Person-first Language, as it emphasizes the individual before their disability, aligning with their broader framework for inclusive language.

How has the preference for Person-first Language (PFL) evolved among younger generations with disabilities?

Many young people with disabilities now feel that Person-first Language has served its purpose but is outdated. They argue that emphasizing the person before the disability feels dehumanizing and does not fully respect their identity as disabled individuals.

What are some of the reasons why younger people with disabilities may prefer Identity-first Language (IFL)?

Younger people with disabilities may prefer IFL because it recognizes their disability as a key part of their identity. They do not want to be separated from their disability, as it shapes how they experience the world and communicate.

What is the general advice for referring to someone with a disability if you're unsure of their language preference?

The best approach is to ask the individual how they prefer to be referred to. If you are referring to a group, you can check the websites of disability advocacy organizations, which often provide guidance on preferred terminology.

How does the facilitator navigate the use of Person-first and Identity-first language in the video?

The facilitator switches between Person-first and Identity-first language when referring to groups of people, in order to avoid favoring one over the other, while acknowledging that the conversation about language is still evolving.

What upcoming topic will the facilitator address in the next video, based on the transcript?

In the next video, the facilitator will discuss terms and expressions that should be avoided when talking about people with disabilities, highlighting language that may be offensive or outdated.