People First Language (PFL) is used to emphasizes the individual and not the disability that is associated with them (The ARC). In other words, People First Language is utilized to acknowledge the individual as a person, not the disability that they may have. In a way, it is used to show respect to those who have a disability. If a person does use First People Language, it could also mean that the person understands that the disability does not define who they are. People may not even have to specifically identify the disability, but if one uses the appropriate words, a common understanding can be established. A person may have a disability and it could have a serious impact on their everyday life, but that does not mean their disability defines them. Some examples of People First Language are, instead of saying birth defect it would be more appropriate to say congenital disability; instead of saying someone is autistic, saying someone has autism or have a diagnosis of autism would be more appropriate as well (Snow). In schools, teachers and administrators are especially expected to use People First Language because …show more content…
Our class is about learning special education in both inside and outside of the classroom setting, and how certain things can impact those with a disability. We learned how people with disabilities were first treated, and how over time, laws and regulations were put in place to accommodate them and their families. In this class, we are expected to Learn First People Language because we understand people with disabilities are people first, and their disabilities does not define who they are as a person, but rather their disabilities are just part of their life. In this class, we use People First language to be more understanding and respectful to individuals and their families about their situation. In my opinion, using First People Language does convey respect for those with