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About
Us - People First Terminology
What we say and the language we use
matters. Positive words promote positive images. Using the person
first terminology demonstrates respect for the individual first. Refer
to the person's disability only when it is relevant and necessary.
The following language guidelines
have been developed for use by anyone writing or speaking about
persons with intellectual disabilities.
- A person with an intellectual
disability
- Intellectual disability
is an adjective
- Individuals, persons, or people
with intellectual disabilities
- John Doe, who has an intellectual
disability
- Families of persons with intellectual
disabilities.
- Distinguish between adults and
children with an intellectual disability. Use adults or children,
or older or younger athletes.
- Refer to participants in Special
Olympics as athletes. In no case should the word appear
in quotation marks.
- A person has Down syndrome (Note
the correct and singular term "Down syndrome" instead
of "Down's syndrome", never use the term "Down's"
or "mongoloid" (or mongoloidism)
Terminology to Avoid
The words "Special Olympics"
are never written without the "s" at the end of "Olympics"
ie Special Olympics programs, Special Olympics athletes, Special
Olympics Games, etc.
DO NOT preface Special Olympics
with the word "the". This implies that Special Olympics
is a one-time, singular event, rather than an ongoing sports training
program.
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