People First Language

What is

"People First Language"?

 

When you think about it, it makes tons of sense.

You don't say,

"That cute little glasses girl."

~ No ~

You say,

"That cute little girl with glasses."

 

You put the person first.

 

You wouldn't say,

"That wart on the nose guy."

~ No ~

You'd say,

"That guy, with the wart on his nose."

And why would you point out the wart on someone's nose anyway? 

Is that all you see?

Is that all about that person worthy of notice?

 

In the same way,

You don't say,

"That little Downs boy."

~ No ~

You say,

"That little boy with Down syndrome." 

 

The person comes first.

 

I understand that we all use words to describe other people.

But are the words we use as descriptors,

all we see of the person? 

 

Think about it,

how do people describe you?

I'm sure each of us would like to be put first,

before one of our characteristics.

 

Try to see past the words used to describe another,

see the person,

and in using your words,

Put the Person first.

 

Thank you.