MVUSD School Board Urges Use of “People-First” Language Regarding Student Disabilities by Tim McGillivray - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

MAY
S M T W T F S
26 27 28 29 30 01 02
03 04 05 06 07 08 09
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
View Events
Submit Events
directory

MVUSD School Board Urges Use of “People-First” Language Regarding Student Disabilities

By Tim McGillivray, Community Writer
June 18, 2015 at 11:30am. Views: 48

Words matter. And how we choose to use words to refer to students with special needs has a profound effect on how those students are viewed, by others and sometimes by themselves. At its regular meeting on June 16, the MVUSD School Board adopted a resolution urging the use of “people-first” language regarding students with special needs, such as “child with epilepsy” as opposed to "epileptic child." “We want our language to focus on the person first, not the special need,” explained School Board President Gary E. Baugh. “For example, we would never refer to a child with cancer as a ‘cancerous child.’ Why, then, do we use terms such as ‘autistic child’ or ‘special-need child’? When we put people first, those terms become ‘child with autism’ or ‘child with a special need.’” “The words and terms we use matter a great deal,” added School Board member Dr. Denise Fleming. “Our words, especially in an education setting, should model acceptance and respect. A special need is just one aspect of a person; it doesn’t define that person.” The resolution approved by the School Board also urges the state to use people-first terminology.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Margie Miller, Your Realtor, Community Writer

May 27, 2026 at 06:04pm. Views: 156

A beautifully maintained two-story suburban home glows warmly at sunset, featuring a landscaped front yard, illuminated windows, and a welcoming front porch under a colorful evening sky.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

May 28, 2026 at 12:02pm. Views: 215

Children happliy running in a field.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

May 27, 2026 at 06:05pm. Views: 459

Graduating students celebrate during a commencement ceremony in the Inland Empire as families and educators cheer from the audience.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generadted Image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

May 27, 2026 at 06:05pm. Views: 433

Residents browse fresh produce and handmade goods at a Southern California farmers market.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Miriam Lawson, Community Writer

May 26, 2026 at 11:11am. Views: 387

A quiet walk beneath open skies reminds us that humility and gentleness are not weaknesses, but steady strengths that shape the way we live and love.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Isabella Grant, Community Writer

May 26, 2026 at 11:11am. Views: 279

Soft, classic vanilla cupcakes crowned with rich buttercream prove that sometimes the simplest flavors make the sweetest statement.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Natalie Finch, Community Writer

May 26, 2026 at 11:12am. Views: 398

Proudly display your creation with this shoebox diorama.

Photo Courtesy of: Clicker Happy

By Margie Miller, Your Realtor, Community Writer

May 26, 2026 at 11:12am. Views: 212

With smart staging, daily decluttering, and a flexible routine, you can successfully market your home while comfortably living in it.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Natalie Finch, Community Writer

May 26, 2026 at 11:12am. Views: 254

Guide your ways with this homemade compass.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Dana McAllister, Community Writer

May 26, 2026 at 11:12am. Views: 460

From materials to assembly lines, the auto industry is quietly reshaping how vehicles are built for a more sustainable road ahead.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

May 27, 2026 at 06:05pm. Views: 615

Freshman standout Gavin Bedolla continues to make his mark at Grand Terrace High School with excellence in the classroom and on the baseball field.

Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

May 27, 2026 at 06:05pm. Views: 500

Photo Caption: Kea Johnson, Bonnie Johnson’s daughter, cuts the ribbon with Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez to celebrate the dedication of Valdez’s headquarters to Bonnie Johnson.

--> -->