People First Language - A Reminder

Today is the last day of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  It has been quite the challenge to blog every single day.  I found myself some nights running into the computer at 10pm just to make my 31 for 21 Blog Challenge post!  I made a point to make sure that everything was NOT about Down syndrome to make the point that our lives do not solely revolve around Ethan having Down syndrome.

I have been meaning to revisit the topic of People First Language for a while and just this morning my friend Jenna posted on Facebook this morning about it, so I am taking a moment to touch on it as well.

People First Language is simple:  Whether you have Down syndrome, Autism, freckles, cancer, or one leg, you are a PERSON FIRST.  We are not defined by labels or diagnoses, it is just part of who we are.

Examples:

COMMON INCORRECT VERBIAGE:  He is a "Down child", "Down's Boy", "Down Baby", or a "Down's kid".

CORRECT:Ethan is a boy with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is just part of his genetic makeup- it does NOT define who he is. 

INCORRECT:  Ethan is a four-eyed boy.

CORRECT:  Ethan is a boy who is supposed to! wears glasses.

Some would say that this is just another act by the PC Police, I say it is an act by parents and loved ones of someone with a disability asking for respect.  Respect.  Respect.  Respect.

I understand that times have changed, and are continuing to change and that sometimes change takes time, so what I ask you all to try your hardest to do is this:  the next time you find yourself not using People First Language, make a note of it to not do it again.  I realize slip up's happen when you first learn new things, but with time, you will use appropriate and respectful language.  And, I know of a precious 8 year old little boy who would very much appreciate it, thank you. ☺