Identity-first language

Many websites advise people to use person-first language when referring to disabled people (e.g. “a person with a disability”). But many disabled people prefer identity-first language (e.g. “a disabled person”).

Carnelian Web Services follows the social model of disability, which points out that disability is imposed by social attitudes and the built environment. We use identity-first language where appropriate (see our Accessibility Policy). But we will always be guided by how people describe themselves.

Person-first language is often based on the assumption that being disabled is a negative characteristic. But many deaf, blind, and autistic people see their condition as an inherent part of who they are, either neutral or positive, and therefore prefer identity-first language. Person-first terminology is often based on the medical model of disability, which views disability as “a defect within the individual”.

Person-first terminology may sometimes be more appropriate when talking about a specific condition or illness (e.g., a person with chronic fatigue, a person with cancer), unless the community regards the condition as an inherent part of who they are, and not a negative attribute.

Given the complexity and diversity of preferences, experts recommend several strategies:

1. Ask Individual Preferences: Considering the large differences in terminology preferences both within and between groups, professionals advise checking a person’s own preference in a one-on-one interaction.
2. Use Mixed Approaches: Experts suggest defaulting to person-first language when writing about children and using a mix of person-first and identity-first language when writing about adults or autistic individuals generally.
3. Be Informed by Community Voices: One of the most effective ways of ensuring respectful language choices is to listen to the self-advocacy groups in these communities; this will ensure that our language choices are respectful, inclusive, and supportive.

~ Michael Mohan (2025), Why “Person-First” vs. “Identity-First” Language Matters in Autism: A Comprehensive Guide, Links ABA Therapy Solutions.