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From: Elizabeth Boettcher
Date: 11 Oct 2006
Time: 22:34:48 -0500
Remote Name: 66.190.9.52
The debate over whether or not to use person first language has always intrigued me. Like so many others, I have been taught the importance of using person first language throughout my education. However, I prefer to be called a “student” versus “a person that goes to school.” Likewise, I would agree that it is up to the individual to determine which label they prefer. My questions regard young children who may not be able to choose a label. Who is the appropriate decision maker? Or is there one? What if, for example, a parent and a teacher use conflicting terms? Should an SLP try and use terms consistent with those of the caregivers? What if the caregivers do not use a label at all, but you need to explain to a child why they are receiving services? Perhaps those questions do not have answers, but I would appreciate your feedback.