jul 11, 2006 - People First Language Modernization Act

Description:

People First Language modernizes the way we speak and write about individuals with disabilities to be more respectful and recognize that people with disabilities are humans first, without classifying people by their special need(s). PFL replaces terms that are outdated with new, more respectful terms, such as replacing "autistic" to "has autism" or "disabled children" to "children with disabilities" (Office of Disability Rights). This act requires laws and regulations to use the modernized language when referring to individuals with disabilities in their legislation. This act allowed the new language to be implemented in textbooks, classrooms, education practices, and even in the medical field. This new language empowers those with disabilities, and reduces the stigma associated with special needs (School of Health Professions).

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