The Search for Common Ground: Analyzing Language Commonly Used For Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Honors Capstone Project

1

Advisor(s)

Dr. Robert Carrothers

Confirmation

1

Document Type

Paper

Location

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Start Date

8-4-2025 2:15 PM

End Date

8-4-2025 2:30 PM

Abstract

Respect and acceptance of individuals within a society can start simply from the language used to refer to them, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With debates of researchers and professors using either identity-first language (IFL) or person-first language (PFL) within their teachings and findings, no consistent standard for usage has emerged and not much has been said on what is generally being used. Using an exploratory survey, this research explores the language used on a college campus when referring to individuals with IDD. Variations of IFL, PFL, and slang (or outdated language) were analyzed in terms of the communities’ preference and frequency of use. Staff and faculty on campus, in addition to current students, were invited to participate in the survey and differences between the two groups were examined. Additionally, comparisons in usage between those who identified as being disabled and those who are not were made.

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Apr 8th, 2:15 PM Apr 8th, 2:30 PM

The Search for Common Ground: Analyzing Language Commonly Used For Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Respect and acceptance of individuals within a society can start simply from the language used to refer to them, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With debates of researchers and professors using either identity-first language (IFL) or person-first language (PFL) within their teachings and findings, no consistent standard for usage has emerged and not much has been said on what is generally being used. Using an exploratory survey, this research explores the language used on a college campus when referring to individuals with IDD. Variations of IFL, PFL, and slang (or outdated language) were analyzed in terms of the communities’ preference and frequency of use. Staff and faculty on campus, in addition to current students, were invited to participate in the survey and differences between the two groups were examined. Additionally, comparisons in usage between those who identified as being disabled and those who are not were made.