Down Syndrome Acceptance–10 of 21

Words matter. People first language emphasizes the person first and not the disability. It describes what a person has and not who a person is.

Instead of saying “a disabled person”, say, “a person with a disability”. Instead of  saying, “a Down syndrome man” or ” a Downs kid,” say, “a person who happens to have Down syndrome.”

Person first language is about more than being politically correct. It’s about dignity and respect.

Check out the Arc’s explanation of People First Language and the NDSS’s  “Preferred Language Guide“.