Good afternoon, **I am a Massachusetts resident, a long time Boston Globe subscriber, a...

Good afternoon, **I am a Massachusetts resident, a long time Boston Globe subscriber, and a physical therapist who has devoted my career to working with people with disabilities.**I am requesting that the Boston Globe consistently use People First Language. The American with Disabilities Act, that was enacted in ****, recommends use of People First Language. This language recommends that individuals not be described by their illness or disability. Please refer to the chart below from the US Government Office of Disability Rights for examples of appropriate language. **I have contacted the Boston Globe directly on several occasions over the years, with minimal to no change in their terminology. **The consistent use of the term “COVID patient” (rather than patient with COVID) has exemplified the nonuse of people first language during the pandemic. It is tragic enough that this pandemic has taken over our world, without further disrespecting and labeling those people with COVID by describing them by their disease. **Perhaps the Boston Globe can take the lead to consistently use ADA recommended People First Language and be more respectful of and sensitive to individuals with disabilities and illnesses. **Thank you for considering this recommendation. Dr. Joan Drevins