Person-first and identity-first language

We have chosen at this point in time to continue using person-first language in the state disability plan. Person-first language puts the person before their disability – for example, ‘person with disability’. Person-first language was first used to emphasise a person’s right to an identity beyond their disability and as a way of addressing ableism. We know person-first language continues to be an important part of many people’s identity, particularly for many people with cognitive disability and self advocates.

We also know that many people with disability prefer to use what is known as ‘identify-first’ language. Identity-first language puts a person’s disability identity before the person – for example, ‘disabled person’.

We recognise that many people with disability prefer to use identity-first language because they see their disability as a key part of their identity. They use identity-first language to show their connection to the disability community, demonstrate disability pride and emphasise that it is society that is disabling (in line with the ‘social model’ of disability).

We recognise that identity-first language is important to the many people with disability who have advocated for the use of this language.

In the Victorian autism plan, which sits under the state disability plan, we were guided by the many autistic and neurodiverse Victorians who told us they had a strong preference for identity-first language. We know that many autistic people do not see autism as a disability but rather as a different way of seeing and interacting with the world.

Further to this, we know that many people in the Deaf community do not identify as people with disability but see themselves as a culturally and linguistically distinct group.

People’s different preferences about how language is used reflects the different ways people consider their identity, their experience of disability and the attitudes of their community. We commit to continuing to explore community preferences and the best way to use language to promote inclusion as part of a new priority area in this plan called ‘pride and recognition’.

We acknowledge people’s personal preferences and individual right to choose how their identity and experiences are described. Within the plan you will see quotes that use ‘person with disability’ or ‘disabled person’. This was done to respect the preferences of the person we were quoting, as well as highlighting the different preferences for how language is used.

'I prefer person first language. As a person with an intellectual disability, I have spent my entire life fighting to be included in both the community and the workforce. I have felt the pain of isolation as I was segregated in my schooling, TAFE, and have had to fight to find my rightful place alongside those without a disability in the workplace. Disability does not define me; it has only served to segregate me. I wish to be seen as a person first. I am more than just my disability. I’m proud of my achievements.'
- Caitlin Syer (she/her) – VDAC member

'I personally prefer identity first language. For me, saying “I am a disabled person” is saying that I belong to a community of people who are excluded and marginalised because our bodies and minds are different from the socially prescribed “norm”. Disabled is also a term of pride for me; it proclaims that I accept and value my disability and don’t feel ashamed or wish to minimise it anymore. The term “disabled person” comes from the social model of disability which says I’m disabled by an inaccessible environment and by attitudes or assumptions about disability, not by my body and mind being different. The term “disabled” asks us to think about disability as a social issue of identity, rights and access. It puts disability front and centre proudly, boldly and unapologetically.
- Jax Jacki Brown (they/them) – VDAC member