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Writing on Disability

 

Guidelines for Journalists

Referring to or reporting on people with disabilities in the media

Language is a powerful tool

It shapes the way those around us speak and act towards another. The use of appropriate language about people with disabilities can be an important means of building a community that accepts all people.

People first language

Language describing or introducing people with disabilities should put the focus on the individual, rather than the disability. People-first language helps us to remember that people are unique individuals.

It’s not about political correctness, it’s about respecting people’s feelings and views

Language that may cause offence to some people with disabilities:

  • Handicapped
  • Cerebral Palsy sufferer
  • Spastic
  • Disease
  • Afflicted
  • Wheelchair bound
  • Cripple
  • Victim

 

Language that puts the person before the disability:

  • Wheelchair user
  • Person who is disabled
  • Person who uses a wheelchair
  • Person who has a disability

 

For Example

‘Cerebral Palsy sufferer Joe Blogs, ….. ’

The use of language here puts the disability before the person

‘Joe Blogs, who has Cerebral Palsy…..’

Puts the person before the disability