101 Ways we Facilitate Recovery
Person-first language is used to speak appropriately and respectfully about people who have health issues. So often in the past we would use the disease or disability to define a person. Diabetic. Addict. Handicapped.
When you go with person first, it’s “person with diabetes,” person who suffers from addiction,” and “a person who has a handicap.” A simple change that can make a significant difference in a person’s recovery and self respect.
At the Caring Center, we use person-first language in working with patients and their families. I remember an attitude change in our staff and the people we serve when we consciously moved over to person first language.
It’s easy to do, and takes concentration to change. When referring to a person with a health challenge, just use phrases such as: “a person who …”, “a person with …” or, “person who has…” Again, emphasizing the person first – not the diagnosis.
We recommend that everyone uses person first language. It’s a language of respect.
Take care. Be strong. Live free.
~Peter
Find more information at
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Poster Communicating with and About People with Disabilities (Accessed April 29, 2020)
The Harvard Gazette: Revising the language of addiction by Colleen Walsh (August 28, 2017)
