Dispatch from Jones St: People First Language Bill Update

 House Bill 353: People First Language was heard in the House Committee on State Government today. Representative Verla Inkso presented on the bill.  This legislation would direct bill draft to use people first language where appropriate when drafting new legislation and new rules.  Karen Stallings, executive director of Self Advocates of North Carolina, spoke to the importance of passing this legislation. Ms. Stallings spoke to the efforts of self advocates across the state who are lobbying to change the way people view the community by shifting focus from the disability to the person.

Words have power and when we use words to limit a group by focusing on a medical diagnosis rather than the inherent worth of the person we do a disservice to our communities. 

This bill received a favorable report and will now be re-referred to the House Health Committee.