These personalities, medically known as alters, can exhibit different speech patterns, mannerisms, attitudes, thoughts, gender identities and even physical characteristics. AA is unaffiliated with any outside organizations or institutions and does not endorse, finance or oppose any causes. The word dates to Old English, where it was related to words that meant to creep or bend over. According to the blog grammarphobia.com, it became offensive in the early 20th century and was replaced by handicapped and then by disabled., Recently, some disability activists have reclaimed the word. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Difficulty with speech, including slurred Special thanks to Rebecca Monteleone, University of Toledo; Jon Henner, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Sherri Collins, Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; journalist Sara Luterman; Cronkite student Haley Tenore; the NCDJ advisory board and graduate assistants; and all the style guide readers who offered suggestions for this guide. Avoid referring to the disabled in the same way that you would avoid referring to the Asians, the Jews or the African Americans. When describing individuals, do not reference disabilities unless it is clearly pertinent to the story. People with these conditions often are referred to as quadriplegics and paraplegics, but these terms are considered offensive by some. Firstly, calling those who cannot hear impaired is demeaning, damaging, and disrespecting their image as capable individuals with a rich, unique culture. Instead, be specific about the condition and use only if relevant to the story. AP style: Although there is no entry for service animal, the style book takes note of the Seeing Eye dog trademark and says guide dog is prefered in all references. It is not interchangeable with American sign language; in fact, its not sign language at all. They also are sometimes called assistance animals, guide dogs, or Seeing Eye dogs. Such tics are recurrent, involuntary and non-rhythmic. Background: The Merck Manual ddefines vegetative state as the absence of responsiveness or consciousness in which patients show no awareness of their environment. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask your sources what term they prefer. Background: High functioning and low-functioning are terms used to describe ability levels for people with a variety of conditions, including neurodiversity, intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Signs and symptoms of dysarthria vary, depending on the underlying cause and the type of dysarthria. Epilepsy manifests differently in individuals: The severity of epileptic seizures, their occurrence rates and the emergence of other health problems differ from person to person. The terms are considered derogatory because they equate symptoms of illness to filth. Because of perceived stigma, some people are calling for an end to the use of the term mental illness, suggesting instead a person diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder or a person with a mental health history. Some advocates suggest using the term mental health experience. However, the term mental illness still is widely used within the medical and psychiatric professions. For example, Down syndrome girl or autistic boy. An example of people-first language is a girl with Down syndrome or a boy with autism. With regard to most disabilities, , people-first language is preferred, but in some cases most notably in the Deaf community and among autistic people identity-first language is strongly preferred. Ask your sources how they want to be described. WebBackground: The terms hearing impaired and hearing impairment are sometimes used to describe people with hearing loss that ranges from partial to complete. But it should not be used when referring to a specific person or to a group of people with a specific condition. NCDJ Recommendation: Terms such as battle and survivor are still widely accepted and understood, but the user should be aware that they could offend some people. (The proper terminology in the United Kingdom is Downs syndrome). Instead, state the nature of the disability or injury. Remember that some in the autism community object to the term. Background: Quadriplegia is defined as the paralysis of all four limbs as well as the torso. They may include: Slurred speech. Journalists should consider other ways of describing a persons ability to function in society. Many prefer people-first language, such as a person with quadriplegia rather than quadriplegic, since the latter implies that the condition defines them. The term seizure is preferred when referring to the brief manifestation of symptoms common among those with epilepsy. Background: Service animals are trained animals, usually dogs, that provide services to people with disabilities. AP style: Not directly addressed, although the style book recommends avoiding using disability-related words lightly or in unrelated situations. They give audiences a choice on whether or not to proceed with consuming the information. First, we would like to offer some basic guidelines: Of course, our sources dont always speak the way we write. See also Insane/insanity/mentally deranged/psychopathology. However, avoid using such words to describe a person. NCDJ Recommendation: These phrases are coming into wider use and often are preferable to the alternatives. In 2010, President Barack Obama signed a measure known as Rosas Law that replaced the term mental retardation with intellectual disability in many areas of government, including federal law. When quoting or paraphrasing a person who has signed their responses, its appropriate on first reference to indicate that the responses were signed. When interviewing someone who is non-verbal, be flexible. The discussion can be found here. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid the use of mongoloid to refer to someone with Down syndrome. Many people prefer people-first language, such as a person with Tourette syndrome or a person diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. Avoid the acronym TS, as it is not widely known. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having autistic spectrum disorder only if the information is relevant to the story and if you are confident there is a medical diagnosis. Use a person with dementia or a person with dementia rather than demented or senile. When possible, reference the specific disease, such as someone with Huntingtons disease. When referencing Huntingtons disease or Parkinsons disease, use the full term rather than shortening to Huntingtons or Parkinsons.. Background: Cerebral palsy refers to a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. AP style: The stylebook allows the use of vegetative state, describing it as a condition in which the eyes are open and can move, and the patient has periods of sleep and periods of wakefulness, but remains unconscious, unaware of self or others.. NCDJ Recommendation: Because it is not commonly used, particularly in the U.S., include a definition when using the term. NCDJ Recommendation: Use the term mental illness instead of insane or mentally deranged, except in a quote or when referring to a criminal defense. The case for nonspeaking is outlined by the non-profit organization The Guild for Human Services. Neurological Disorders. Less than one percent of the general population has schizophrenia, and it is treated mostly through the use of pharmaceutical drugs. AP style:The style book defers to the National Association of the Deaf, stating: Hearing-impaired was a well-meaning term that is not accepted or used by many deaf and hard of hearing people.. You also may want to provide a more detailed description of the disability. Those with dysarthria often slur or drag their words when they try to pronounce them. Certain communities, such as the Muscular Dystrophy community and the Spinal Muscular Atrophy community, have embraced the term, but others argue that interabled relationships are relationships just like any other and should not be marked as different. Background: These terms refer to a variety of ways that people communicate without speaking. Background: The phrased disabled people is an example of identity-first language (in contrast to people-first language). Those with an ADHD diagnosis may also exhibit difficulty sitting still or engaging in quiet activities. Background: Paraplegia is defined as the loss of movement in the lower extremities and torso. There is an advocacy movement around this concept that argues against the idea that there is one normal or healthy type of brain or mind or one right style of neurocognitive functioning. If the source is not available or unable to communicate, ask a trusted family member, advocate, medical professional or relevant organization that represents people with disabilities. Background: Diversability is a term coined by Tiffany Yu, a disability rights advocate. If the persons sight had nothing to do with the situation, leave it out. Post-traumatic stress disorder is correct on first reference; use PTSD on second reference. Background: Disabilities often are referred to in terms of impairment, as in hearing impairment or visually impaired. Such terms are widely used in medical and governmental contexts as well as by disability advocacy organizations and the general public. A person enrolled in a treatment center should be referred to as a patient. Reactions for those with chemical sensitivities are triggered by low-level exposure to everyday substances and products, including pesticides, solvents, cleaning agents, new carpeting and adhesives, and fragrances and scented products. When possible, refer to a persons specific condition. It is considered highly derogatory to describe someone with Down syndrome as being mongoloid.. Background: Some use the term survivor to affirm their recovery from or conquest of an adverse health condition. why is hearing impaired a slur. Referring to someone who does not have a disability as a normal person implies that people with disabilities are deviant or strange. Background: Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines handicap as a physical disability (as a bodily impairment or a devastating disease). The term has fallen out of favor in the disability community. They recommend color vision deficiency.. But not all people who appear to haveseizures haveepilepsy, a group of related disorders characterized by a tendency for recurrentseizures., NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having epilepsy only if the information is relevant to the story and if youre confident there is a medical diagnosis. ASL is acceptable on second reference. slurred slowed hoarse stuttered rapid Depending on the underlying cause of your speech impairment, you may also experience other symptoms, such as: drooling There is debate over how relevant IQ tests should be in making a diagnosis. Avoid made-up words like diversability and handicapable unless using them in direct quotes or to refer to a movement or organization. This hearing-impaired population may be even more isolated than the visually impaired community. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid language that may legitimize facilitated communication. Physical deformities can arise from a number of causes, including genetic mutations, various disorders, amputations and complications in utero or at birth. Background: Dumb was once widely used to describe a person who could not speak and implied the person was incapable of expressing himself or herself; it eventually came to be synonymous with silent.. As language, perceptions and social mores change rapidly, it is becoming increasingly difficult for journalists and other communicators to figure out how to refer to people with disabilities. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to an individuals mental illness only when it is relevant to the story and youre confident there is a medical diagnosis. Slow speech. At times, words that are considered outdated may be appropriate because of the storys historical context. This takes years of intensive practice and professional training., The Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf has a searchable database of registered interpreters, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, The Autism Self Advocacy Network details this debate, I Dont Have Autism, Im Autistic,, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, University of Kansas Research & Training Center on Independent Living, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Syracuse Universitys Disability Cultural Center, Little People of America has a statement on the M word., International Society for Augmentive and Alternative Communication, some people still strongly support the method, This particular use of the word dates to the middle of the 19th century. It often is caused by a spinal cord or brain injury and is characterized by the loss of sensory and motor function. Use of sustain or receive removes the implied judgment. AP style: Addressed in entry for Trauma, suggesting that traumatic brain injury is an acceptable use of the word trauma., Background: A caregiver is an individual who provides direct care to people with disabilities and others, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Another commonly used term is twice exceptional or 2E, which refers to a child with a disability who also is diagnosed as gifted. Background: Stuttering is a a neurobiological condition that is characterized by interruptions in speech. NCDJ Recommendation: Use person with a brain injury or person with a traumatic brain injury rather than brain damaged, which is considered derogatory. It is important to note that augmentative and alternative communication a general term used to refer to alternative methods that allow for written and spoken expression is considered very different from facilitated communication. Aging and exposure to loud noise may cause wear and tear on the hairs or nerve cells in the You can also access a Romanian translation of the guide here. Background: The two terms often are used interchangeably. This style guide, which covers dozens of words and terms commonly used when referring to disability, can help. It is best to ask your sources what they prefer and take that into consideration. AP style: Included in its Disabled/Handicapped entry, the stylebook describes blind as a person with complete loss of sight and suggests using the terms visually impaired or person with low vision for those who have some sight. In addition, there is a difference between impairment and disability, according to the Institute of Human Services. Originally called falling sickness in English, the word has roots in Greek and Latin. African Americans the lower extremities and torso remember that some in the same way that would. 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