Person-First & Identity-First Language: Supporting Students with Disabilities on Campus

ABSTRACT

Language pertaining to the disability community has changed significantly over the years. Previous identity-first language has recently been replaced with person-first language. Person-first language places the emphasis on the person, then the disability. This is in contrast to identify-first language, which places the disability before the person. As a result of social movements, and an increase of global awareness about the disability community, language has evolved to meet what are believed to be more egalitarian standards. With such changes come changes in perspectives – people have begun to recognize people first, rather than their disabilities first. Despite that person-first language has become the globally accepted standard, there are still interesting debates regarding its use. Both identity-first and person-first language will be explored to understand the potential role disability language usage plays in creating inclusive college campuses.