Disability Language Matters

One of the most simple topics to address in training format with your ministry staff/ congregation is the language that we use specifically pertaining to people with disabilities. Now this may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Language and word choice absolutely matters. How can we confirm this biblically? Proverbs 18:21 “the power of life and death is in the tongue” (NKJV). This scripture is not just for teaching people to not say negative things about themselves or others, we need to be mindful about the words we choose.

In human services, we are taught to use something called “People First Language”. This sadly, is not even something most parents who have children with disabilities are aware of. I cannot count the number of social media posts I’ve seen with parents using the language “Autism Mom” or “Autism Dad”. The basis of “People First Language” is to always put the person before a disability or diagnosis. Using the word “Autism” first, identifies the diagnosis first, not the human being. These parents are “parents of a child with Autism” not an “Autism” Mom or Dad. Children are not “special needs children” they are children with special needs. The words we use can lift people up or tear them down. Remember life and death can be spoken out of the same mouth so we need to be thoughtful about the words we choose to speak.

Examples:

Homeless people – People who are homeless or people who are experiencing homelessness

Handicap Parking- We offer accessible parking

Handicap Bathroom- Accessible Bathroom

Schizophrenic Bob- Bob has schizophrenia

Special Needs Classroom- Classroom for children with special needs