Semester 2: Week 5

Words are powerful. They can be used to build positive and negative images. They affect people’s feelings and how people interact with one another. Words also reflect our beliefs and attitudes about disability. 

You have the power to choose your words. The words you use to talk about disabled individuals will also affect how the people around you view them. This semester, you will be challenged to think about how language is used, has been used, and could be used surrounding disability.

The difference between “person-first language” and “identity-first language” is an important topic when thinking about language and disability. In the past, person-first language was considered the most respectful way to address people with disabilities, including autism. More recently, a large portion of the disabled community has been expressing that they prefer the use of identify-first language. You will learn more about this topic by exploring this week’s lesson.

Instructions:

First, read Words Matter.

Next, read Talking About Disability.

Then, watch Person First or Identity First Language.

Optional - Listen to “How We Talk about Autism."

Finally, complete the Week 5 Reflection.