How should one refer to persons with disabilities to ensure respectful communication?

Using first-person and possessive language is the most respectful way to refer to individuals with disabilities. This approach emphasizes the individual rather than defining them solely by their disability. For instance, saying "a person with a disability" highlights their humanity first, showing that their disability is just one aspect of who they are, not their entirety.

This method promotes inclusivity and dignity, acknowledging that everyone deserves to be recognized as a person first, with their own identity, experiences, and capabilities beyond any disability they might have. Favoring first-person language fosters a more respectful and understanding conversation, contributing to a more positive societal approach to disability.

In contrast, other options focus on derogatory terms or define individuals strictly by their disabilities, which can reinforce negative stereotypes or reduce people to their conditions rather than recognizing their full identity as human beings.