Redelivery Module
People First Language
Focus: By the end of this session, participants will develop the knowledge and skills to use People First Language when referring to individuals with disabilities. The activities will help participants develop awareness, sensitivity when hearing language that is not People First friendly and learn better ways to say statements that refer to individuals with disabilities.
Suggested Time: 18-20 minutes
Presentation Materials:
· Powerpoint
· A/V equipment (computer with internet connection, projection & speakers)
· Powerpoint Notes (handouts)
· “Say This, Not That” (activity sheets)
· A Few Words about People First (article by Kathie Snow)
· People First Language pledge (by Kathie Snow)
· People First Language examples (by Kathie Snow)
People First Language
[Slide 1]
Welcome the participants to the session!
[Slide 2]
Sticks and Stone ~ Icebreaker activity
Sticks and Stones is a play off the cliché “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” This activity will give the participants an opportunity to make a personal connection to the feelings involved with hurtful (whether intentional or unintentional) words.
[Slide 3]
The cliché is something we may have told ourselves to help get over the hurt quicker; however, the wise owl advises that words can have the potential to hurt.
[Slide 4]
Advise the participants of the goal(s) and objectives for the learning session.
[Slides 5 & 6]
These two slides provide an opportunity to teach the People First Language concept. Define People First Language and provide participants with examples and non-examples of People First Language.
Visit Kathie Snow’s website for additional details regarding the purpose of using People First Language www.disabilityisnatural.com and to download the People First pledge, the article A Few Words about People First Language and a quick reference of examples.
Video clips
“People-First Language”
[Slides 7 &8]
Video Clips
“People First Language”
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ0pKPxoyHs]
This two minute video presentation explains People First Language, provides linguistics research, and examples.
“Can We Talk Ben Stiller?” [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eOBOAlQH54] OR
[https://vimeo.com/43469334]
This 4-minute video featuring Jill Egle as she shares her testimonial about hurtful stigmas that comes with the labels placed on individuals with disabilities.
[Slides 9 & 10]
“Say This, Not That” ~ Practice Activity
Before Activity ~
Prepare participants’ handouts [“Say This, Not That” pintables].
Determine a way to group your participants. This activity works best with 2-4 people in the group.
During Activity~
Group participants
Group selects a recorder
The facilitator states “the instead of this” statement to the group and gives wait time. The group has a discussion on how to restate the statement. The recorder writes the response. The facilitators asks the group to share.
Q&A and discussion should be encouraged.
[Slides 11 – 16]
[Slides 17 – 18]
People First examples Chart and People First Pledge
Provide participants copies of these handouts
[Slide 19]
Spread the Word ~ Group Activity
1. Group Reflect: On a scale of 1-10, rate the staff at your school, in their use of People First Language.
2. Brainstorm ways you can spread the word.
[Slide 20]
The “Pay it Forward” Challenge:
Provide each participant with extra copies of the People First Pledge and challenge them to share their new awareness with others.