Skip to main content
Toddler girl with Down syndrome in cheerleading costume at a past Buddy Walk event.

"People First Language (PFL) represents more respectful, accurate ways of communicating. People with disabilities are not their diagnoses or disabilities; they are people, first.

PFL is not about "political correctness," it's about good manners and The Golden Rule. "Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you," is a very harmful myth. Words do matter! They can raise or lower expectations; hurt or help; crush hopes or create dreams; and so much more."

Kathy Snow, Disability is Natural