People First Language

When you look at a person with a disability do you see them as a person with a disability or do you see them as a disability that happens to be a person? Many people look at the disability first then the person second when in reality you should look at the person first then the disability. This is part of what is called People First Language. These are ways to help someone with disabilities feel more comfortable. In an article "How are your person first skills?" by Carol L. Russell there are many things you can do to be respectful.

"Refer to the person first then the disability.

Emphasize abilities not disabilities or limitations.

Use the term people with disabilities rather than label people as part of a disability group such as the disabled.

Do not patronize or give excessive praise or attention to a person with a disability.

Give people with a disability a choice and independence (e.g. having many options as appropriate including what to eat, wear, and do) and allow individuals to speak for themselves rather than have someone speak for them.

Be yourself. Treat a person with a disability as you would anyone who does not have a disability."

This is just a short part of the list but it hits some major points. When your out and about remember the People First Lanugage.