People First Language

Enrolling A Child With A

Developmental

Disability

People First Language

People First Language is actually a law in New York State. It basically states that a child with a disability is exactly that, a child first. It may seem trivial to some people. However, IT does make a big difference to those who have a child with a disability.

An instructor should never be under the impression that they are teaching an “autistic child” or “ADHD child”. That would imply that you are instructing a disability instead of an actual child. In reality an instructor still needs to become familiar with the child as an individual.

 A child with a developmental disability is not typically diagnosed within his first year or two of his life. He/ She was born someone’s son/daughter. That child continues to be someone’s child even after they are diagnosed. No one goes back and changes the birth certificate to “ADHD John Smith” or “Anxiety Disorder Jane
Doe”.

 A child born with a diagnoses, such a Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, deserve to be recognized with the same respect. For example my niece is an awesome, funny and head strong little girl. She happens to have Down Syndrome.

She is most definitely NOT a disability. She is a child first and foremost.

If you would like to learn more on how to implement a program for special needs children, or have one in place feel free to comment below, or contact us directly at

info@martialartny.com.