I can remember the first time I was introduced to People First Language.  I was at a mental health conference when a panelist described our state legislature as schizophrenic.  A gentleman that I did not know at the time stepped up to the microphone in the audience and stated rather firmly that the characterization was offensive.  No, it wasn’t one of our esteemed state legislators!

This man, who is now a friend of mine, stated that he had schizophrenia himself.  He went on to explain how using a condition or disability as the primary way of identifying a person or group of people is extremely harmful.  He did not want to be labeled a schizophrenic, as if his condition summed up all that he was.  He is a man that lives with schizophrenia, but his disability does not define him.

It was an important moment for me, and I try diligently to focus on people – not conditions – in my speech, both professionally and personally.

Words matter.  The way that we construct language has an effect on how we see and understand the world.  Focusing on one’s condition or circumstances increases the likelihood that the listener identifies the person or people as More >