Understanding the Use of People First Language

1. www.laspdg.org Understanding the Use of People First Language Pamdora Williams, pwilli@lsu.edu @laspdg

2. Downloading Files You can download all of today’s materials in the FILES 2 Pod on the bottom left of your screen at any time during the presentation • Click on the selected file • Click DOWNLOAD FILE • Select the destination where you would like to save the file

4. References to Additional Resources Indicates files that can be saved to your computer from the FILES POD while watching the webinar Indicates a website link that will be useful related to the content discussed Indicates a webinar can be watched related to the content discussed

5. Words Matter Sticks and stones may break the bones, but words can make a difference!

6. Goal: To develop awareness and sensitivity to words that refer to individuals and their disabilities. • Objectives: • To gain knowledge about People First Language • To gain skills to apply People First Language in daily conversations

7. Rate your knowledge of People First Language (PFL) 0 - I have never heard of People First Language 1 - I have some knowledge of People First Language 2 - I have a good understanding of People First Language

8. What is People First Language?

9. What is People First Language? Define: People First Language (PFL) represents more respectful, accurate ways of communicating with and about individuals with disabilities. People First Language emphasizes the person, not the disability. Kathie Snow. (n.d.) A few words about People First Language. Disability is Natural. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/images/PDF/pfl-sh09.pdf

10. People First Language “People First Language puts the person before the disability and describes what a person has, not who a person is.” “Old and inaccurate descriptors perpetuate negative stereotypes and generate an incredibly powerful attitudinal barrier – the greatest obstacle facing individuals with disabilities.” “People First Language reflects good manners, not ‘political correctness’ and it was started by individuals who said ‘We are not our disabilities’.” Kathie Snow. (n.d.) A few words about People First Language. Disability is Natural. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/images/PDF/pfl-sh09.pdf

11. “Language is not only a means of communication, but it shapes the way people perceive and experience the world.” Sherrill, 1993

12. “Language Influences Perception!” Importance of Language Language influences: • how people perceive each other • how people perceive themselves

13. Is the statement True or False? People First Language is about being “politically correct”. True False

14. Is the statement True or False? People First Language sends the message that individuals with disabilities are more than a diagnosis. True False

15. Video of People First Language http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ0pKPxoyHs This is part of a social marketing campaign to raise awareness of the importance of utilizing people-first language when referring to people who have developmental or intellectual disabilities

16. Reframing to People First Language

17. Reframing to People First Language When reframing our language, the meaning behind the phrase remains the same, but the word choice is different.

18. Reframing to People First Language Characteristics of People First Language: • Acknowledges person before the disability • Describes what diagnosis a person “has” but not as who that person “is” • Avoids descriptors that perpetuate negative stereotypes • Expresses the “needs” rather than the “problems”

19. A person who has autism 1- Acknowledge the person before the disability An autistic person Typical Descriptor People First Language

20. A person who has Down Syndrome • He’s is a Down’s kid 2- Describes what a person “has”, not who that person “is” Typical Descriptor People First Language

21. 3- Eliminate descriptors thatperpetuate negative stereotypes Typical Descriptor People First Language She has a cognitive disability • She is mentally retarded

22. 4- Expresses the “needs” rather than the “problems” Typical Descriptor People First Language He needs behavior supports • He has behavior problems

23. SAY “I am the inclusion teacher and will have the sped kids in my class this year.” “I am the inclusion teacher and will have the students with disabilities in my class this year.” INSTEAD OF

24. “Maria is a first grade student in my class; she is autistic.” SAY “Maria is a first grade student in my class; she has a diagnosis of autism.” INSTEAD OF

25. How would you reframe these statements?

26. SAY “Miguel has a mental health condition.” “Miguel is emotionally disturbed.” INSTEAD OF

27. SAY “LaToya is a student who takes the LAA1 test.” “LaToya is a LAA1 student.” INSTEAD OF

28. “Clay is confined to a wheelchair this year.” SAY “Clay will utilize a wheelchair this year.” INSTEAD OF

29. “The school has made additional spaces for handicapped parking.” SAY “The school has made additional spaces for accessible parking.” INSTEAD OF

30. Article by Kathie Snow

32. Jill Egle is an author, international speaker, and self-advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eOBOAlQH54

33. Will You Take the Pledge?

34. Rate Your School How People First Friendly is your school? 1 Best….5 Worst

35. What can you do to Spread People First Language?

36. What Can I Do as a Teacher? • Teach your students PFL - pledge • Share with staff (watch webinar at www.laspdg.org under (Inclusive Practices -- Webinars --- 2015-2016) • Model People First Language with your co-workers, students and parents/families • Model People First Language during meetings • Invite guest speakers to your class • Help ensure your school’s written documents support PFL • Have students bring in examples and non-examples used in media (web, newspaper, magazine) & discuss • Practice!

37. Think about other ways you can share People First Language with co-teachers, administrators, and families.

38. For additional information, articles & resources on People First Language…. www.disabilityisnatural.com/

39. http://www2.ku.edu/~lsi/news/featured/guidelines.shtml

40. http://www.dads.state.tx.us/news_info/publications/brochures/respectfullanguage.pdfhttp://www.dads.state.tx.us/news_info/publications/brochures/respectfullanguage.pdf

41. https://www.louisianabelieves.com/academics/students-with-disabilitieshttps://www.louisianabelieves.com/academics/students-with-disabilities

42. References • Anthromike. (2011, December 5). People-First Language [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ0pKPxoyHs • “People First Language.” Disability is Natural. Kathie Snow. http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/ Retrieved 26 October 2015. • The Arc of Virginia. (2008, August 15). Can We Talk, Ben Stiller? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eOBOAlQH54 • Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. (2013). Person First Respectful Language. [PDF file]. Retrieved from http://www.dads.state.tx.us/news_info/publications/brochures/respectfullanguage.pdf • University of Kansas Life Span Institute. (2013). Guidelines: How to Write and Report About People with Disabilities. [PDF file]. Retrieved from http://rtcil.org/sites/rtcil.drupal.ku.edu/files/images/galleries/Guidelines%208th%20edition.pdf

44. Building Capacity • When you leave today, what will you do with this information? • How will you share it with others in your district? • When will you share it? (Timeline)

45. www.laspdg.org Pamdora Williams pwilli@lsu.edu The contents of this PowerPoint presentation were developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, #H323A110003. However those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

46. Reminder -In order to receive a certificate for 1 CLU, you must complete the online reflection at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/pt1pfl before January 22, 2016