person-first and disability-first language

For faculty and researchers, it's important to know about "person-first" and "disability-first" language, because most research RFPs and style guides (e.g., APA, Chicago style) have language guidelines for authors, and they may use these terms.  It's also good to teach your students about this for their professional writing.  This online training alternates between person-first and disability-first language.  If you'd like to learn more about why the NCCSD does this, contact us.

Person-First language

  • Usually the preferred language to use for academic and professional writing.  

  • The "person" is before the "disability."

  • Examples: "people with disabilities," "people who are blind," "people who have dyslexia."
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  • Developed by parents and people with intellectual disabilities (like Down syndrome), who wanted to be seen as people, and not just their disabilities.  They had experienced people with disabilities being sent to live in institutions because they were seen as less than human, so language mattered.  People with disabilities still experience discrimination, so language still matters.

Disability-First language

  • Usually used with people who run disability-related organizations and people with disabilities who prefer the term.  

  • The "disability" is before the "person."

  • Examples: "disabled people," "blind people," "dyslexic people."

  • Changed in the 1990s by researchers and people with disabilities who wanted to show they weren't ashamed of having a disability, or because they considered disability an important part of who they were.
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​A two-minute video explaining person-first language
A three-minute video comparing
person-first and identity-first language
This online training alternates between person-first and disability-first language.
When in doubt, the NCCSD recommends using person-first language.
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