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Exciting person-centered activities have been occurring throughout the organization. Our departments will share these initiatives across the organization so that everyone can benefit. One example is how each of us communicates about the people we support and ensures that we are consistent in our use of person-first language. 

Person-first language puts the person first.

• Say…"Person(s)," "people," "person I support," and "person with an intellectual disability" instead of "individual," "consumer" or "client."
 

• Say…"A person who needs more support or less support" instead of "low functioning" or "high functioning."
 

• Say…"A person who does not use words to communicate" instead of "non-verbal."
 

• Say…"A person who is communicating through his or her behavior, which is running or biting" instead of labeling a person as a "runner" or "biter," etc.
 

• Say…"A person who uses a wheelchair" instead of "wheelchair-bound."
 

• Say…"A person with autism" instead of "autistic person."
 

• Say…"A person with Down syndrome" instead of "the Downs person."
 

The people we support are not our possessions.

• Say…"The people I/we support and work with," instead of "my guys" or "our guys."
 

The place/location of your job is where people you support work or live.
 

• Say…"The home where the people I support live" or "the location where the people I support work or attend day program," instead of "my house" or "my program." 
 

And remember…

• DSP is an acronym for "Direct Support Professional" not "Direct Service Professional."