Assembly Member Gipson
https://a65.asmdc.org/team-gipson
Tel: (916) 319-2065
Dear Doonya,
I'm pleased to have spoken with you today, knowing that you oversee AB 1906, focusing on Persons with Disabilities: Terminology. It's crucial to consider the sentiments of disabled people, many of whom, like myself, prefer identity-first language over the traditional person-first approach. This preference reflects the evolving concept of neurodiversity and the need for more inclusive terminology.
The American Psychological Association (APA) standards, established in 2013, provide substantial evidence in favor of identity-first language—a change long advocated for by the autistic community. While certain statutes currently use terms like "person with a disability" and "adult with a disability," these can lead to cumbersome language. It's important to note that such terminology can inadvertently promote a disease model, which doesn't apply to conditions like autism.
I propose that we revise statutory language to adopt a more inclusive and neurodiversity-affirmative approach, such as changing "an elder or dependent adult as defined adult with a disability as described" to "an elder or disabled adult." Your positive steps in this direction are commendable, and I invite you to join me in championing neurodiversity-affirmative language in legislation. Together, we can ensure our laws reflect inclusivity and respect for our diverse community. Thank you for considering this matter, and I'm eager to collaborate on these important changes.
Sources:
APA Standard, 2013 for more than a decade.