Language Shapes Perspective: Your Words Matter

Be The Change, Charleston always uses positive person first language. We refer to the individual first, the disability second. For example, “an individual with autism” instead of “autistic person”. However, at BTC we always ask how each individual would prefer to be identified. For example, we always ask for proper pronouns and exceptionality identification.

We do not permit the use of degrading terminology or slang as a form of identification, conversation, or jokes within the company. We actively educate those within and outside of our company on the damaging effects such terms have on our individuals, families, and communities.

We created infographics for positive person-first language. Feel free to share!

https://www.thearc.org/who-we-are/media-center/people-first-language

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/pdf/disabilityposter_photos.pdf

https://www.askearn.org/topics/retention-advancement/disability-etiquette/people-first-language/