People's First Language

Alot of us are going into career fields where we are going to be working with a variety of different people.  It is important to be conscious and aware of how we say things and to make sure we are politically correct.  We need to set examples for those who are not knowledgeable on the person's first language.  You can start by tossing out words like "disabled" or "retarded" from your vocabulary.  Phrases like "wheelchair-bound" are also not politically correct.  We should say a person who uses a wheelchair.  By making a conscious effort to use person-first language and encouraging others to do the same, it can quickly change our mindset about disabilities.  Put the person first, NOT the disability!

- Michelle