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Message-ID: <01GTWG1NEDEE001H7J@camins.Camosun.BC.CA>
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1993 14:59:52 -0800
Sender: English Language Discussion Group <WORDS-L@uga.cc.uga.edu>
From: Peter Montgomery <MONTGOMERY@CAMINS.CAMOSUN.BC.CA>
Subject: Official Canadian Document on Handicap Language: c 560 lines
Lines: 579
A
W A Y
with
W O R D S
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.
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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?
7
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.
8
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.
9
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
10
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
11
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
12
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
13