Prior to coming to the Myasthenia Gravis Association (MGA), I worked as a Case Manager supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in all aspects of their lives. One of the first things I learned when I worked in that role was “People First Language (PFL).”
People First Language, as defined by the Office of Disability Rights, puts the person before the disability and what a person has, not who a person is. People first language focuses on the person, not the disability.
At the risk of making myself come across as a grouch or an internet “Karen”, I have to say, one of my biggest pet peeves in our community is when we are labeled or called, “MGers.” It makes my skin crawl. Instant fingers on a chalkboard. Whatever happened to our names and who we are?
Lumping us all into this category of “MGers” is about the least personal and genuine way to talk about who each of us is in this community. We are people with myasthenia gravis. We are people first.
You’ll notice the MGA does not use the term, “MGers” and while we don’t correct it when we see it on any of our forums or groups, we will continue to educate and make an effort learn who each of you is before your MG. I challenge you to start using terms such as “People with MG” or “Individuals with MG” vs “MGers.”
So I’m Allison and I have myasthenia gravis.
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