Final answer:
The statement is true; person-first terminology is preferred among athletes with disabilities except for those who are deaf, who may not view themselves as disabled but as part of a distinct cultural community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that athletes with disabilities generally prefer to be referred to using person-first terminology, with the exception of athletes who are deaf, is true. Person-first terminology emphasizes the individual before the disability, acknowledging them primarily as a person. However, many in the Deaf community identify with their hearing status and may prefer identity-first language, such as 'Deaf person', seeing it as a source of cultural and community identity rather than a disability.
Thus, it is crucial to use language sensitively and respectfully in relation to people with disabilities. Language should promote inclusion and respect.
This aligns with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which seeks to accommodate and include people with disabilities in all aspects of society, recognizing their rights and promoting equality.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also highlights the prevalence of disability globally, urging better visibility and education regarding people with disabilities to combat myths and biases.