At the 2010 1p36 DSA conference in Salt Lake City, UT we heard from Callie Hoots about People First Language and the "R" Word. Callie was 22 years old at the time and has 1p36 Deletion Syndrome.
Here is video of Callie's speech. She is an inspiration to all of us!
The People First Movement seeks to eliminate stereotyping of people with disabilites. They promote respectiful lanquage that places the person first and then the disability.
Callie's mom, Cyndi Hoots says: "People who do not have a love one who is challenged by a disability, those who are companionate and really want to use the correct terms and language, look to us for guidance and listen to our use of language for the correct way to say things. Therefore, it is very imperative that we, the ones who advocate and support those who are differently abled, use People First Language and therefore, lead by example."
For examples of People First language and more information, please visit
You can also take the pledge to End the Word at www.r-word.org.
