People First of Alabama

What is People First of Alabama?

People First Of Alabama is a self advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities living in the state of Alabama who are dedicated to making their dreams come to fruition by having choices and control over their lives. People First Of Alabama wishes to be more self sufficient through making personal decisions and plans on their own instead of having other people make their decisions and plans for them. People First intends to reach out to youth and communities in Alabama with public campaigns with its chapters in the state and also to pursue ongoing funding sources that will maintain its existing state and regional structure that it has.
People First Of Alabama produces its own newsletter every season which is called, "Speaking Out!," and also has a 1-800 toll free number to call, an Arc Link, and has events reguarly. People First also makes community visits and strongly supports its community needs with advocacy and by making public speeches in which local governmental representatives can attend in order to be able to understand how to accurately represent their intellectually disabled constituents. Below is the latest People First Of Alabama newsletter.
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Using People First Language

People First Language is a new kind of language that is being using for those who are disabled and intellectually disabled as well in which its purpose is to empower those who have either physical problems and or intellectual disabilities. People first language is politically correct language and focuses on not dehumanizing people with disabilities. The language emphasizes that people are put first and the disability is put second although it is still a part of them. The disability community is therefore respected as a group of and to rightly define themselves as they would like to and they can choose their own name. The following video on "Using People First Language" describes when to use people first language, examples of people first language, descriptions of people that need to change, and a quick quiz on what is acceptable in describing a person with disabilities. The video also defines what is a self advocate and how to go about being one in short and clearly defined steps and also how to start a People First organization Chapter. How to support a People First group is also explained in this video.