Thanks for person-first language in stories

Writing to express appreciation for your stories in the Sunday goodness section on the two individuals with disabilities who enjoy dance at a local studio (“The amazing Ava, the ballerina on wheels” and “Pat tap dances and ‘just lights up’ ” by Abby Mackey, July 11).

I enjoyed many, many aspects of the accounts but especially appreciated the person-centered/personfirst language (only one exception, in the P.S. below). My entire nursing career was spent with mostly children but also some young adults with complex health-care needs, so I consider these folks “my people.” Both of your columns highlighted each individual’s unique gifts, talents, joys, preferences and humanity, providing a welcome departure from the typical one-dimensional depictions of persons with disabilities in much (most) current media.

... I am not a writer myself but have other thought that if the world really knew what the daily lives of families of children and adults with disabilities were like, minds would be blown. They are my personal heroes.

With appreciation, and sending blessings, in whatever form that means to you,

MARYANNE LOEBIG

Point Breeze

P.S. The only exception I noticed in the person-first language was in the print edition, paragraph seven, page G-1, “whom she knew from working with other special needs children.” I know it takes up print inches, but the more appropriate phrase would be “other children with special needs.” It only takes up five more spaces, and if you edited out “other,” it would actually save a space, right? The PG could do WAY better on this in general, but your columns were a refreshing shift.

Thanks for the feedback! We want to hear your comments, suggestions and story ideas. Email editor Bob Batz Jr. at goodness@post-gazette.com. Or write goodness at the PostGazette, 358 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.