Personfirst

Person-first language is a style of communication that emphasizes the individual before the disability by placing the disability after a descriptive phrase. It is most commonly expressed as "a person with a disability" rather than "a disabled person." Proponents argue that this construction centers personhood and avoids defining someone solely by their condition, while critics say it can distance disability from identity.

Person-first language emerged from the broader disability rights movement in the late 20th century. It was adopted by many medical, educational, and media style guides as part of a push toward respectful, person-centered description. The goal is to acknowledge the person first and use disability as information about experience rather than a label that defines the person. Variation exists by language and region; some guides favor different orders or phrasings in different contexts, such as formal writing versus everyday speech.

Common recommendations include using "person with [disability]" rather than "[disability] person," focusing on function or context when possible, and avoiding terms that reduce a person to a condition or stigma. Examples: "the person with a disability" and "people with mobility impairments." Avoid "the disabled" as a plural noun and "the handicapped" as outdated terms.

Debates over terminology reflect differing priorities. Some communities prefer identity-first language (for instance, "autistic person") as an assertion of a shared identity, while others prefer person-first usage. Many organizations now acknowledge both approaches, advising speakers to respect individuals' stated preferences. The ongoing discourse emphasizes autonomy, dignity, and context in choosing language.