People First Language

Promote these values is to use People First Language.

Words can create barriers and reinforce stereotypes. Ensure that correct language is used when talking or writing about individuals with Down syndrome.  A baby born with Down syndrome is not a "Down's child" or a "baby with Downs".  When describing an individual with Down syndrome, it is preferred that you say, he/she is a baby with Down syndrome.  A person with Down syndrome is not a "Downs".  Placing the person before the disability emphasizes the person first and the disability second.  When referring to peers, the correct term is "typical" peers as opposed to "normal." 

It is also important to use correct terminology.  A person does not "suffer" from Down syndrome, nor are they "afflicted".  It is not a disease.  Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition which results in an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.  It was discovered by Dr. John Langdon Down.  However, since Dr. Down did not have this syndrome himself, the possessive form is not used. In addition, the "s" in syndrome is not capitalized. 

Person First language emphasizes respect for the individual. A person (instead of child) is much more than a label.  Help to educate family, friends and physicians about the preferred way to refer to your child.

Examples of People First Language

Say:	Instead of:
People with disabilities.	The handicapped or disabled.
He has a cognitive disability (diagnosis).	He's mentally retarded.
She has autism (or an autism diagnosis).	She's autistic.
He has a diagnosis of Down syndrome.	He's Down's.
She has a learning disability (diagnosis).	She's learning disabled.
She's of short stature/she's a little person.	She's a dwarf/midget.
He has a mental health diagnosis.	He's emotionally disturbed/mentally ill.
She uses a wheelchair/mobility chair.	She's confined/wheelchair bound.
He receives special ed services.	He's in special ed.
She has a developmental delay.	She's developmentally delayed.
Kids without disabilities.	Normal or healthy kids.
Communicates with her eyes/device/etc.	Is non-verbal.
Customer	Client, consumer, recipient, etc.
Congenital disability	Birth defect
Brain injury	Brain damaged
Accessible parking, hotel room, etc.	Handicapped parking, hotel room, etc.
She needs... or she uses...	She has problems/special needs.