Guiding Principles

CASE believes that we must understand the power of language within the context of the systemic devaluing of people who experience disability. To do this requires ongoing work to address unconscious bias, and to recognize the systemic inequalities that we may inadvertently perpetuate. We are committed to contributing to healthy workplace cultures that affirm and celebrate human diversity.

CASE maintains a commitment to person-centered language in all of our communication. We believe that:

• It is critical to respect the language choice of persons who experience disability to self-identify as they wish.
• Language should respect a person’s whole being, and must acknowledge the impact that culture, personal experience, and multiple identities can have.
• Changing our language requires intention and effort. Person-centered language can be integrated into our daily actions to create empowering workplace cultures that are respectful to everyone.
• The commonly accepted meaning and impacts of language are continuously changing. We have a responsibility as an association to reflect and explore the impacts of the language we use over time.
• While CASE will use person-centered language in all our communication, we mean no disrespect to people who choose to identify themselves in other ways.

Person-centered language focuses on the person first. It recognizes that regardless of any over-arching disability labels that may have been attributed to a person, their qualities, strengths, and experiences are unique to them. A commitment to using person-centered language challenges us to advocate for the use of respectful and empowering language at all times.