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GUIDELINES AND APPROPRIATE TERMINOLOGY FOR THE PORTRAYAL OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Separate Insert Sheet with Terminology List:

TERMINOLOGY GUIDE

CONCERNING PERSONS WITH DISABLITIES

Do not use or say Do use or say

Aged (The) SENIORS elderly (The) Adjectives like frail, senile or feeble suggest a negative image of seniors and should not be used.

Birth defect PERSON WITH A DISABILITY SINCE congenital defect BIRTH, PERSON WHO HAS A deformity CONGENITAL DISABILITY

Blind (The) PERSON WHO IS BLIND, PERSON visually impaired (the) WITH A VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Confined to a wheelchair PERSON WHO USES A wheelchair bound WHEELCHAIR, WHEELCHAIR USER For individuals with a mobility impairment, a wheelchair is a means to get around independently.

Cripple PERSON WITH A DISABILITY, crippled PERSON WITH A MOBILITY lame IMPAIRMENT, PERSON WHO HAS ARTHRITIS, A SPINAL CORD INJURY,ETC.

Deaf (The) PERSON WHO IS DEAF When referring to the entire deaf population and their culture it is acceptable to use "the deaf".

Hard of hearing (The) PERSON WHO IS HARD OF hearing impaired (the) HEARING These individuals are not deaf and may compensate for a hearing loss with an amplification device or system.

Epileptic (The) PERSON WHO HAS EPILEPSY

Fit SEIZURE

Hnadicapped (The) PERSON WITH A DISABILITY UNLESS REFERRING TO AN ENVIRONMENTAL OR ATTITUDINAL BARRIER In such instances "Person who is handicapped by" is appropriate.

Insane PERSONS WITH A MENTAL lunatic HEALTH DISABILITY, PERSON WHO maniac HAS SCHIZOPHRENIA, PERSON mental patient WHO HAS DEPRESSION mentally diseased It is important to remember that neurotic the development of appropriate psycho terminology is still in progress;how- psychotic ever, the above terms are currently schizophrenic in use. The term "insane" (unsound unsound mind mind) should only be used in strictly legal sense. Obviously, words such as "crazy", "demented", "deviant" "loony", "mad" and "nuts" should be avoided.

Invalid PERSON WITH A DISABILITY The literal sense of the word "invalid" is "not valid".

Mentally Retarded PERSON WITH AN INTELLECTUAL defective DISABILITY, PERSON WHO IS feeble minded INTELLECTUALLY IMPAIRED idiot One can say, a person with imbecile Down's syndrome, only if relevant moron to the story. retarded simple mongoloid

Normal PERSON WHO IS NOT DISABLED Normal is only acceptable in refer- ence to statistics, e.g., "the norm".

Patient PERSON WITH A DISABILITY Unless the relationship being referred to is between a doctor and client.

Physically challenged PERSON WITH A DISABILITY differently able

Spastic PERSON WHO HAS SPASMS Spastic should never be used as a noun.

Suffers from PERSON WITH A DISABILITY, afflicted PERSON WHO HAS CEREBRAL stricken with PALSY,ETC. Having a disability is not synony- mous with suffering.

Victim of cerebral palsy PERSON WHO HAS CEREBRAL multiple sclerosis, PALSY, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, arthritis, etc ARTHRITIS, ETC., PERSON WITH A DISABILITY, PERSON WITH A MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT

A WAY WITH WORDS Guidelines and appropriate terminology for the portrayal of persons with disabilities

Produced by Status of Disabled Persons Secretariat Department of the Secretary of State of Canada Ottawa, Ontario KlA OM5 (819) 997-2412 (VOICE and TDD)

This booklet is available in alternate media format. Ce guide est egalement disponible en francais.

c Minister of Supply and Services Canada 1991 Cat No. S2-216/1991 E ISBN 0-662-18713-X

I N T R O D U C T I 0 N

Language is a powerful and important tool in shaping ideas, perceptions, and ultimately, public attitudes.

Words are a mirror of society's attitudes and perceptions. Attitudes can be the most diffi- cult barrier persons with disabilities must face in gaining full integration, acceptance and participation in society.

Careful presentation of information about per- sons with disabilities can help overcome neg- ative attitudes and shape positive ones. The Standing Committee on the Status of Disabled Persons found in its report No News is Bad News that vocabulary con create perception. Demeaning, belittling or negative words are a barrier to greater understanding and can trivialize genuine support given by a commu- nity to persons with disabilities.

Language use is changing as persons with disabilities claim their individual and collec- tive right to participate fully in society.

Dated and disparaging words are being replaced with precise, descriptive terms which have specific meanings that are not interchangeable.

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Persons with disabilities are asking, just as women and minority groups are asking, that the media use respectful terms in writing about them or issues that affect their lives.

Individuals with disabilities are working to achieve equality, independence and full par- ticipation in our society. The ways in which issues are reported and the use of proper ter- minology can help persons with disabilities reach these goals.

P U R P O S E :

This booklet suggests current and appropriate terminology to reflect the increased participa- tion by Canadians with disabilities in our society. This booklet is intended to encour- age and promote fair and accurate portrayal of persons with disabilities. It is primarily designed for print and broadcast media pro- fessionals writing and reporting about issues of concern to persons with disabilities.

C O N T E N T:

This booklet has two sections and a remov- able insert. GENERAL GUIDELINES has infor- mation on terminology and portrayal of persons with disabilities.

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MEDIA COVERAGE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES deals with reporting on issues of concern to persons with disabilities. The removable insert suggests appropriate termi- nology.

G E N E R A L G U I D E L I N E S:

1. It is important to remember that each word in today's terminology has a pre- cise meaning and that the words are not interchangeable.

2 "Disabled" and "handicapped" are not the same thing. A disability is a function- al limitation or restriction of an individu- al's ability to perform an activity. A "handicap" is an environmental or attitu- dinal barrier that limits the opportunity for a person to participate fully. Negative attitudes or inaccessible entrances to buildings are examples of handicaps.

3 The word "disabled" is an adjective, not a noun. People are not conditions. Do not use "the disabled"; use "persons with disabilities".

4 Focus on the issue rather than the disability. If the disability is not relevant to the story, it is not necessary to report it.

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5 Try to avoid categorizing persons with disabilities as either super-achievers or tragic figures. Choose words that are non-judgemental, non-emotional and are accurate descriptions. Avoid using "brave", "courageous", "inspirational" or other similar words that are routinely used to describe a person with a disability.

Remember that the majority of persons with disabilities are average and typical of the rest of the population.

Similarly, references which cause discom- fort, quilt, pity or insult, should be avoided. Words like "suffers from stricken with", "afflicted by", "patient", "disease" or "sick" suggest constant pain and a sense of hopelessness. While this may be the case for some individuals, a disability is a condition that does not necessarily cause pain or require medical attention.

6 Avoid the use of words such as "burden "incompetent", "defective", "special", etc. which suggest that persons with disabilities should be treated differently or be excluded from activities generally available in the community.

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7 Be particularly careful with terminology used in headlines. Remember that head- lines make the first impression.

8 Refer to technical aids in factual, non- emotional terms. Avoid prolonged focus on support equipment.

9 Persons with disabilities are comfortable with the terminology used to describe daily living activities. Persons who use wheelchairs go for "walks". people with visual impairments "see" what you mean, etc. A disability may just mean that some things are done in a different manner; however, that does not mean the words used to describe the activity must be different.

10 Remember that although some disabilities are not visible, it does not mean they are less real. Individuals with invisible dis- abilities such as epilepsy, haemophilia, mental health, learning, or developmental disabilities also encounter negative attitudes and barriers.

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M E D I A C O V E R A G E O F P E R S O N S W I T H D I S A B I L I T I E S

Researching, Writing and Reporting

1 Too often, when a person with a disability is featured in a story that has several pos- sible angles, the human interest story line dominates, e.g., how the individual has overcome great odds.

2 There are few examples of in-depth cover- age of issues of particular importance to persons with disabilities (e.g., lack of physical access to facilities, employment, poverty, etc.).

3 Persons with disabilities are seldom asked for their views on stories dealing with transportation, the environment, child care, etc.

The media can help create and reinforce positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. Progress has been made in recent years and media professionals are asking advice on how to report on, discuss, and write about disability.

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Bridging the Communicutions Gap

Here are some suggestions to improve com- munications with persons with disabilities.

1 When talking with a person with a disability speak directly to him/her rather than through a companion who may be there.

2 Avoid putting persons with disabilities on a pedestal and using patronizing terms. Interview a person with a disability as you would any other person.

3 Do not unnecessarily emphasize differences. Having a "one of them" versus a "one of us" attitude only serves to reinforce barriers.

4 In visual treatments (e.g., television, photographs), do not dwell on technical aids or adaptive devices unless, of course, the purpose is to introduce or discuss a particular aid or device.

Following an interview, ask yourself:

1 Am I writing this piece because it involves a person with a disability or because the issue and related circumstances are rele- vant to the general population? If it did not involve a person with a disability, would I still want to write it?

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2 Is a reference to a disability necessary to the story? If it is, am I using the correct terminology (e.g., "uses a wheelchair", and not "confined to a wheelchair")?

3 Is this piece accurate and unbiased? Have I avoided sensationalism?

C O N C L U S I O N

Journalists can contribute to a more positive and accurate image of persons with disabili- ties. The information provided to the general public, and the ways in which this informa- tion is presented, often create a framework for the attitudes people have and the ways in which they interact with individuals with dis- abilities. If the coverage of disability-related issues is done in a non-emotional, factual and integrative manner, the public will no doubt begin to question the prejudices and stereo- types that still exist.

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R E F E R E N C E S :

Editing Canadian English. Prepared for the Freelance Editors Association of Canada.

Guidelines for Reporting ond Writing About People with Disabilities. Archalert, Volume 4, No. 7.

No News is Bad News. Standing Committee on the Status of Disabled Persons, House of Commons.

Portraying People with Disabilities. National Easter Seal Society (Chicago, Illinois).

"Watch Your Longuoge. Words Shape Attitudes". Frances Strong (appeared in the Rehabilitation Digest, winter, 1989).

Word Choices. A lexicon of preferred terms for disability issues. Office for Disabled Persons, Government of Ontario.

Words with Dignity. Ontario March of Dimes.

Worthless or Wonderful: The Social Stereotyping of Persons with Disobilities. Status of Disabled Persons Secretariat, Department of the Secretary of State of Canada.

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O R G A N I Z A T I 0 N S C O N S U L T E D

Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) 4700 Keele Street, Kinsmen Building Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 (416) 661-9611

Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD) 2435 Holly Lane, Suite 205 Ottawa, Ontario KlV 7P2 (613) 526-4785

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) 396 Cooper Street Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2H7 (613) 567-0311

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) 2435 Holly Lane, Suite 205 Ottawa, Ontario KIV 7P2 VOICE (613) 526-1584, TDD (613) 526-2692

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Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) 2160 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4S 2Z3 (416) 484-7750

Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) 1931 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C8 (416) 486-2500

Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) 520 Sutherland Drive Toronto, Ontario M4G 3V9 (416) 391-0203

Coalition of Provincial Organizations of the Handicapped (COPOH) 624-294 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C OB9 (204) 947-0303

Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) 323 Chapel Street Ottawa, Ontario KlN 7Z2 (613) 238-5721

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National People First 4700 Keele Street, Kinsmen Building Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 (416) 661-9611

Canadian Deaf and Hard of Hearing Forum (CDHHF) 2435 Holly Lane, Suite 205 Ottawa, Ontario KIV 7P2 VOICE (613) 526-4867, TDD (613) 526-2492

National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) 4th Level Unicentre Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6 (613) 233-5963

One Voice Seniors Network 350 Sparks Street, Suite 901 Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8 (613) 238-7624

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The Society for Depression and Manic- Depression of Manitoba 4-1 000 Notre-Dame Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3F 0N3 (204) 786-0987

Canadian Friends of Schizophrenics 95 Barber Greene Road, Suite 309 Don Mills, Ontario M3C 3F9 (416) 445-820A

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