People with disabilities expect to be treated with the same dignity and respect that you do. They are moms and dads, sons and daughters, employees and employers, friends and neighbors, scientists and movie stars, leaders and followers, teachers and students. Their disability is part of themselves, but does not define who they are.
A person's disability is part of them, but does not define them as a whole. Person-first language is a way of referring to someone's disability that recognizes them as a person first and doesn't contribute to negative stereotypes.
Referring to a person as "having autism" instead of "being autistic" recognizes that autism is part of themselves, but does not define every part of who they are.
Each person might have their own preference on how they'd like to be spoken about. Get to know them for who they are, and if appropriate, ask what language makes them feel most comfortable. Remember to only bring up a person’s disability if it’s relevant to the conversation.
Remember: Language changes over time. Some phrases, such as "special needs", might have been appropriate to say at one time, but it is later realized that they create a negative mindset about people with disabilities. Staying up-to-date with appropriate language not only ensures you are respecting people, but also helps shape our community into one that recognizes people for their abilities.
Our services would not be possible without the support of friends, family, the local community, foundations and corporations. By making a contribution to Star you help us provide a supportive and challenging living and working experience for people with varying disabilities. You become an active part of promoting individual independence enabling all to live meaningful lives. To make a donation please click on the Support Us Today button. Thank you for your support.