Person-first disability language: a pilot analysis of public perceptions

Journal of Rehabilitation, April-June, 1994 by Ruth Torkelson Lynch, Kelli Thuli, Laurie Groombridge

Although the subjects were asked to read one of two scenarios with slightly different adjective descriptors regarding a hypothetical job applicant who used a wheelchair, the two groups selected the same positive adjectives to describe the applicant. The individuals in this sample did not seem to be influenced to describe the job applicant differently based on the slight difference in the presentation of information. In retrospect, it would have been advisable to have language usage be the only difference between the two scenarios rather than having an additional difference in interviewer comfort level. Since no question was asked about the likelihood of a job offer, no conclusions can be made about the hiring outcome of this scenario.

Editorial and media guidelines for rehabilitation professionals emphasize that a person with a disability is a person who happens to have a disability rather than a person disabled and defined by a disease or handicapping condition. However, it will no doubt take considerable time and effort to see a change in language usage regarding people with disabilities among the general public. Since this pilot study suggests that there is ambivalence as to whether disability-first or person-first language have different meanings in the first place, it is unlikely to see quick, dramatic changes in language usage by the public. In spite of this, rehabilitation professionals have an obligation to promote in every way possible, including language usage, that people with disabilities are not defined by the disability.

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