The Power of Words: Person-First Language
Imagine how frustrating and demeaning it would be to constantly be referred to as a diagnosis or physical characteristic you've ever had, such as "chicken pox boy" or "gap-tooth girl." While the chicken pox and the gap between your teeth are usually temporary (thank goodness for itch cream and braces), think of the various diagnoses and physical traits that are not. How would it feel to be described solely based on them on a daily basis with no relief? During my undergraduate career, the importance of person-first language was lectured on frequently. At times, many of my classmates and I would wonder why we spent numerous days on such a simple concept. It wasn't until I put myself in their shoes and truly considered how belittling it would be to only be known for my diagnosis or physical trait that I fully understood the importance of person-first language. Person-first language is simply taking the time to rearrange statements like "down