Person-first language

Person-first language is a way to refer to someone who has a disability. With person-first language, the person is mentioned before their disability. For example, “a woman who is hard-of-hearing” is person-first language. In contrast, “a hard-of-hearing woman” is not person-first language. Person-first language conveys the idea that the person as a whole is more important than just their disability. Also, historically, people with disabilities have often been excluded or segregated from society. Person-first language may help to address this historical barrier.

Note that if a person prefers to be referred to without person-first language (such as “a Deaf man”), you should follow that preference.


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  • Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit
    07/27/2022- Do customers bring dogs into your business claiming they are service animals, emotional support animals, comfort dogs, or therapy dogs? Join Chris Sweet, technical assistant for the Northeast ADA Cent...
  • Northeast ADA Center Year in Review 2020
    01/28/2021- While COVID-19 was certainly one of the largest stories of 2020, other ADA items of note happened as well. Join the technical assistance team of the Northeast ADA Center as they review the year 2020....
  • ADA 101.2 Overview of Title I and Employment
    04/26/2021- This webinar is the third in the Northeast ADA's ADA 101 series. Intended for those new to the Americans with Disabilities Act or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar will focus on the employme...
  • ADA 101.1 Defining Disability
    03/26/2021- This presentation builds on the introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) given in the webinar ADA 101. Intended for those new to the ADA or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar...
  • Access to Voting
    09/25/2019- Participating in the electoral process is a fundamental right in the United States. Voters with disabilities should have equal access and an equal opportunity to exercise this right. Join the Northeas...

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Technical Assistance
Social media graphic with a photo of a person scrolling one-handed on their smartphone. The person is missing one arm below the elbow and has curly, aqua-colored hair. What is Technical Assistance from the Northeast ADA Center? It is answers to questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it applies to a particular situation.
Technical Requirement
Social media graphic with a photo of a professional planner looking at a 3D model of a park. The text says: What does Technical Requirement mean in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design? This is the how of designing and building something to be accessible—how long, how wide, etc.
Scoping
Social media graphic with a photo of a parking lot with accessible parking spaces. The text says: What is Scoping in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design? Scoping tells us what features need to be accessible and how many of a feature needs to be accessible.
Program Access
Social media image that says: What is program access under Title II of the ADA? It's an equal opportunity for a person with a disability to benefit from a public entity's programs or services. The photo shows a person smiling in a swimming pool. The photo also shows that he has an arm without a hand.
Marginal Job Function
Social media image that says: What is a marginal job function under Title I of the ADA? It's a job-related task that is not an essential aspect of an employee's position. The photo shows a person working in an office environment while wearing a hearing aid.