Continua of Support: A New Direction in the Identity-First/People-First Language Debate

PURPOSEThis letter expresses the opinion that identity-first language and perspectives in care are essential. It argues that all individuals' support needs should be conceptualized along continua. One such continua is support for communication. It suggests that decisions to receive supports should be left to the individual and, when necessary, invested others who can share potential benefits and costs of support/no-support decisions. Dialogue on this important issue is recommended.