What does “use the person’s first language” actually mean?

 

🌍 Person-First Language

Person-first language means:

👉 Say “person with a learning disability.”
❌ Not “a learning-disabled person.”

This way of speaking:

• Puts the person first

• Shows respect

• Focuses on the individual, not just the disability

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⚠️ Some people prefer something different.

For example:

• Some people say “Autistic person.”

It is always best to ask the person what they prefer.

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🌎 What if the Person Does Not Speak English?

Some people speak another language.

Some people feel more comfortable in their first language.

If a service is funded by the government
(like a hospital, school, or social service),

👉 They must provide an interpreter by law.

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✅ What To Do

1️⃣ Ask What Language They Prefer

Say:

“What language do you prefer?”

You can also use a language card with different languages listed.

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2️⃣ Use a Professional Interpreter

Use:

• An in-person interpreter

• A video interpreter

• A phone interpreter

❌ Do not use family or friends.

This helps:

• Keep information correct

• Keep information private

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3️⃣ Use Simple Words

• Speak slowly

• Use short sentences

• Use pictures or gestures

• Write things down if needed

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4️⃣ Give Forms in Their Language

Make sure:

• Forms

• Letters

• Important information

Are in the person’s preferred language.

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👩‍👦 What if the Helper Only Speaks English?

Sometimes a family member or carer only speaks English.

They must still make sure the person gets help in their preferred language.

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Important Rules

❌ Do Not Expect Them to Interpret

If they do not speak the language:

• They should not explain medical or legal information.

• They should ask for a professional interpreter.

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📱 Translation Apps

Apps like Google Translate can help with:

• Simple words

• Basic needs

But do NOT use them for:

• Medical information

• Legal information

• Private information

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🗣 Advocate for the Person

The helper should:

• Tell the service provider an interpreter is needed

• Speak up for the person’s rights

• Make sure support is provided

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💬 Good Communication Tips

👀 Speak to the Person

If an interpreter is there:

• Look at the person

• Speak to the person

• Not the interpreter

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⏳ Be Patient

• Give extra time

• Stay calm

• Do not rush

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❓ Ask If You Do Not Understand

You can say:

• “Can you say that again?”

• “Can you write it down?”

• “Can you show me?”

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🔁 Check Understanding

Do not just say:

“Do you understand?”

Instead say:

“Can you tell me in your own words what we talked about?”

This helps make sure the information is clear.

In accessibility guidance, including advice from organizations like AbilityNet and LD@School, it means:

👉 If someone’s first language is not English, information should ideally be available in their native language.

This is about rights, inclusion, and understanding — especially in:

• Education

• Healthcare

• Legal settings

• Government services

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But what if staff only speak English?

This is where your question is very realistic.

Many professionals:

• Only speak English

• Do not know how to translate materials

• Are not trained in bilingual support

That does NOT mean support stops.

Instead, we use layered accessibility.

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Practical Solutions (Real-World)

If someone’s first language is not English:

1️⃣ Use Easy Read English first

• Short sentences

• Simple words

• Clear images

• One idea per sentence

This helps:

• English language learners

• People with low literacy

• People with learning disabilities

Easy Read English is often easier than standard English.

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2️⃣ Use visual support

Pictures reduce language barriers.

For example:

• Symbols

• Photos

• Diagrams

• Emotion faces

• Step-by-step images

Visuals support understanding across languages.

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3️⃣ Use professional interpreters

For important meetings (EHCPs, IEPs, medical appointments):

Use trained interpreters.

Not:

• Children translating for parents

• Friends guessing

• Staff “summarising”

Proper interpreters ensure accuracy.

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4️⃣ Translate key documents

Important documents should be translated into:

• Spanish

• Polish

• Arabic

• Urdu

• Or the person’s first language

But remember:

Easy Read is not word-for-word translation.
It is adapted meaning.

So the translated version must:

• Stay simple

• Stay clear

• Keep the images

• Avoid jargon

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Very Important Distinction

You highlighted something critical:

There is a difference between:

1️⃣ A learning disability
2️⃣ Learning English as a second language

They are NOT the same.

Someone learning English may:

• Struggle with vocabulary

• Take longer to process

• Need repetition

That does not automatically mean they have a learning disability.

Misidentification happens when professionals confuse:

• Language acquisition
  with

• Cognitive impairment

This is a serious issue in education systems.

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What You Could Add to Your Book (Accessible Version)

Here is a clean Easy Read style version you could use:

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If English is Not Your First Language

Some people do not speak English as their first language.

They may need:

• Translated information

• An interpreter

• Pictures and symbols

• Simple language

Learning a new language is not a learning disability.

It is important to understand the difference.

Everyone has the right to understand information in a way that works for them.

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Why This Matters in Your Work

Because you are writing for:

• Parents

• Professionals

• Families

• Disabled people

• Migrants

You are right to question this.

Not everyone can provide 10 language versions.

But everyone can:

• Use plain English

• Use images

• Avoid jargon

• Check understanding

That alone improves accessibility massively.