Note: Originally posted on https://jenrohrigdesign.com/
Person First or Identity First Language
A while ago I took some courses in accessible design related to the Americans with Disabilities Act. One thing I noticed is the emphasis on person first language. Person first language is well intended and is still preferred by many people with disabilities – most often people with intellectual disabilities. But there is also a growing number of disabled people who prefer identity first language – most often autistic or deaf people. There’s a lot of debate over which is preferred and why people prefer one over the other.
I’m aware a lot of teaching manuals for accessibility and disability still push person first language. I’m also aware that it can be hard to adjust when you’ve been told by those in authority which to use. In the end what really matters is the preference of the individual. One of the issues that comes up with person first language is the tendency of non-disabled people to insist that it must always be used while ignoring the voices of disabled people who say otherwise. Disabled people or people with disabilities have the right to make their own choices. That’s the point that seems to be overlooked in the instructions.
The blog post “Identity First Language” by Lydia Brown goes into further discussion about identity first language vs person first language. There are also several links at the bottom of the post three different preferences including using both interchangeably which I’ve been trying to do with this post. Note that many of the links now link to the web archive as the original blogs have been deleted.
A Brief Mention of Disability Euphemisms
My opinions on the use of euphemism in place of disability could be a whole other post. The short version is I believe euphemism are another well intended thing that ends up feeling condescending more often than not when non-disabled people use them. Others may disagree but that’s how I feel. Again it’s important to listen to others about how they want to be referred to. If another disabled person prefers a euphemism use it. I’m aware some of them were in fact created by people with disabilities which is why I’m not completely against them. It’s the way they’re used, not that they exist that’s the problem.
What Does Ableism Mean Anyway?
Something I’ve also noticed over the years is the lack of awareness about ableism and what it means. I can mostly understand the average person not knowing about it, but it bothers me that anyone who works in disability or accessibility related fields doesn’t know what it means. There are different ways to explain what ableism means:
From Access Living’s “Ableism 101” article:
Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require ‘fixing’ and defines people by their disability. Like racism and sexism, ableism classifies entire groups of people as ‘less than,’ and includes harmful stereotypes, misconceptions, and generalizations of people with disabilities.
I also like Talila A. Lewis’ or TL’s “Working definition of Ableism“:
able·ism /ˈābəˌlizəm/ noun A system of assigning value to people’s bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, productivity, desirability, intelligence, excellence, and fitness. These constructed ideas are deeply rooted in eugenics, anti-Blackness, misogyny, colonialism, imperialism, and capitalism. This systemic oppression that leads to people and society determining people’s value based on their culture, age, language, appearance, religion, birth or living place, “health/wellness”, and/or their ability to satisfactorily re/produce, “excel” and “behave.” You do not have to be disabled to experience ableism.
TL’s poist “Longmore Lecture: Context, Clarity & Grounding” provides more detail about TL’s working definition and the connection to racism.
Final Thoughts
The language of disability can be tricky because different people will tell you different things and you will see conflicting messages. My hope is that people start taking the time to figure out where the message is coming from and respect individual choices. I also hope that people start learning more about ableism and how it impacts disabled people. Learning never really ends and there’s always changes.