Ask Yourself: Do I use people-first language and terminology when appropriate in my written materials and discussions, and remain open to change based on expressed preferences?
Probing Question: Am I considering the impact of terms used in my workspaces or daily practice?
Example: Person with diabetes rather than diabetic, person experiencing homelessness
Ask Yourself: Do I use appropriate and inclusive language and terminology?
Probing Questions: Do the words I use carry assumptions that may not apply? Am I asking patients how they prefer to be addressed and modeling the sharing of pronouns as a welcome practice?
Examples: Partner instead of husband/wife; living with diabetes instead of suffering from; volunteers instead of human subjects
Visit the DRIVE – Stoplight Terminology Guide and Glossary a living resource for improving our language to promote accurate, representative, and inclusive teaching materials and educational environments
Image Credit: Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
Top Resources
DRIVE Best Practice: Words matter, terminology changes -- Look for updates in your field before presenting, welcome learner input and respond respectfully to feedback.