NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having depression only if the information is relevant to the story and you are confident there is a medical diagnosis. Referring to someone as an epileptic is often considered offensive. NCDJ Recommendation: Neurodiversity can be used as a way of describing someone on the autism spectrum, but because its a relatively new term, consider offering the definition when you use it, particularly in work meant for a mainstream audience. Psychoanalyst: A specific type of psychotherapist trained to work with both an individuals unconscious and unconscious mind. NCDJ Recommendation: It is preferable to use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability, simply stating the facts about the nature of the disability. The term special education is still widely used when referring to public school programs, although some government entities use titles like exceptional student services.. The references angered disability rights advocates, who argued that Hawking achieved remarkable success while using a wheelchair and a computerized voice system, not despite those devices. Psychologist: A mental health professional trained in the discipline of psychology and who often does psychological testing and research. Background: Tetraplegia, used interchangeably with quadriplegia, is defined as the paralysis of all four limbs as well as the torso. Background: Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the emergence of two or more distinct personality states or identities in a persons behavior or consciousness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition. Dysarthria. Ear infections can do the same. For others who have a loss of vision, the American Foundation for the Blind uses the term low vision, which it describes as uncorrectable vision loss that interferes with daily activities. The foundation says that other terms commonly used to describe vision loss partial sight, partial blindness and poor vision are no longer in general use. Do not say the person had a fit or had an epileptic fit.. NCDJ Recommendation: It is preferable to use a medical professionals diagnosis or, if that is not possible, terms such as comatose or non-responsive. Avoid referring to someone as a vegetable or veg as such words dehumanize the person. Some organizations suggest avoiding the terms demented, dementing, dements, senile or senility to refer to someone with dementia. 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. Another note this time about the language around COVID-19. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using deformed as an adjective to describe a person. Ask people how they want to be described. The stylebook also warns against drawing a connection between mental illness and violent crime and recommends that any source used to characterize a criminal suspects mental health history should have the authority to speak on the matter. Avoid saying a person suffers from or is afflicted with the disease. It is best to ask people which term they prefer to describe them. They give audiences a choice on whether or not to proceed with consuming the information. Most are proud to be Deaf. Background: Stuttering is a a neurobiological condition that is characterized by interruptions in speech. The terms intellectually disabled, developmentally disabled, cognitive disability and intellectual disability are acceptable when used in a people-first context to describe someone with Down syndrome, such as the person has a developmental disability. However, it is more accurate to refer specifically to Down syndrome when that is the medically diagnosed condition. If Full Deaf, call them Deaf. According to Psychology Today, it is a rare condition that may be associated with other disorders, such as schizophrenia. National Institute of Neurological Disorders. However, it is such a general term that it fails to accurately describe a persons condition and is now widely viewed as offensive in that it implies that a person lacks abilities. Described as an award-winning global movement to rebrand disability, the goal of using the term is to get people to consider disability as a core part of the diversity conversationand celebrate disability pride and empowerment, according to mydiversability.com. NCDJ Recommendation: Use Disability Studies in the same way you would reference other academic disciplines. Background: These terms carry the assumption that a person with a disability is suffering or has a reduced quality of life. Otherwise, paraphrase and use a more acceptable term. Background: Infantile paralysis is shorthand for poliomyelitis and was commonly used in the past to describe polio. The guide was developed by the National Center on Disability and Journalism at Arizona State Universitys Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and was last updated in the summer of 2021. This takes years of intensive practice and professional training.. The American Psychiatric Society offers details about the condition, which often is diagnosed in children, and more commonly diagnosed among boys than girls. Healthyplace.com has a good discussion of the differences. A genetic condition is congenital, but a congenital condition is not necessarily genetic. 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. MD is acceptable on second reference. However, avoid using such words to describe a person. Journalists should consider other ways of describing a persons ability to function in society. Other medical diagnoses associated with dementia include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntingtons disease, Parkinsons disease and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (previously known as wet brain). Other terms commonly used to refer to people with Down syndrome include intellectually disabled, developmentally disabled and a person who has a cognitive disability or intellectual disability. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation considers all of these terms acceptable, while the National Down Syndrome Society suggests using cognitive disability or intellectual disability. Down syndrome also can be referred to as Trisomy 21. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using the terms unless used in a direct quote. NCDJ Recommendation: While it is usually acceptable to use these terms, keep in mind that disability and people who have disabilities are not monolithic. Background: Bipolar disorder is a mental illness believed to be caused by a combination of genetic factors and neurological functioning, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The terms mental illness and mental disorder are not interchangeable. Seizures are more common than you might think. 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.. AP style: Not addressed, although AP does not use the abbreviation MD. Many illnesses, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, are life-long conditions. However, whenever possible, ask the individual which term they prefer. AP style: Not addressed except to state that homebound and housebound are one word with no hyphens. Otherwise, hard of hearing is almost always acceptable. For example, a person may be able to describe having low central or peripheral vision. Background: Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 by Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. in Akron, Ohio, according to the AA General Service Office. WebYSK that "Hearing Impaired" term is incorrect and offensive, use Hard of Hearing when referring to the demographic. Electrical sensitivities are triggered by electromagnetic fields from electrical devices and frequencies. Many people in North America who are deaf or hard of hearing use it as a primary means of communication. However, people with speech and hearing disabilities are capable of expressing themselves in writing, through sign language and in other ways. NCDJ Recommendation: All the terms are acceptable, although, because they are not widely used, an explanation is required for a general audience. Earwax impaction is another culprit. I legit ignore every notification with the word in it.. The terms signer and interpreter often are used interchangeably but mean different things. The American Psychiatric Association offers a useful media guide of appropriate terms. Thats OK. You may end up using a derogatory term in a direct quote, but be certain that its fundamental to the story. The discussion can be found here. 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. It does not involve split personalities. People with albinism also are sensitive to the effects of the sun and are at increased risk of developing skin cancer., According to the National Organization on Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH), there is debate over whether albinism is a disability, but it is often referred to as one because of issues associated with vision. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid referring to someone with a disability as sick or to their disability as a sickness. If a person is receiving medical treatment, then the word patient is appropriate; however, it should be avoided outside of a medical context. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences, according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine. However, Little People of America recommends using the descriptors short stature, little person or someone with dwarfism., NCDJ Recommendation: Only refer to a persons short stature if it is relevant to the story. Raisingdeafkids.org has a good list of related resources and more information. Background: Total blindness is the complete lack of perception of either light or form. It has been criticized by some in the Deaf community who are concerned that the device could threaten Deaf culture. Until recently, the term deaf-blind was widely accepted, and it is still in use today. AP Style: The style book suggests avoiding the term and, instead, trying to be specific about the disability. Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cued speech is a building block that helps children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing better understand spoken languages. Its a series of hand signs and spots near the mouth used to differentiate between sounds that look the same as one is mouthing them. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as catatonic only if it is part of a medical diagnosis. why is hearing impaired a slur. Keah Brown, a writer and disability activist who has cerebral palsy, tweeted in 2018: I just really cant stand the word cripple, so whenever I see it, I block it out. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having dementia only if the information is relevant to the story and you are confident there is a medical diagnosis. Conforms to AP style, which adds that in describing groups of people, or when individual preferences cannot be determined, use person-first language. NCDJ Recommendation:Avoid using cripple as either a noun or verb unless you are describing the crip movement or if its in a direct quote. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask people how they would like to be described. Jon Henner, an assistant professor at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, who is Deaf, describes himself as a crip linguist., While some activists have embraced the word, adopting hashtags such as #criplit and #cripthevote, others are very much against its use. NCDJ Recommendation: It is acceptable to describe a person as someone with muscular dystrophy, followed by a short explanation of what the condition entails. Another commonly used term is twice exceptional or 2E, which refers to a child with a disability who also is diagnosed as gifted. Less than one percent of the general population has schizophrenia, and it is treated mostly through the use of pharmaceutical drugs. The type and amount of melanin your body produces determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. NCDJ Recommendation: Do not use the term retarded or other iterations. Background: This term came into vogue in the 1990s as an alternative to disabled, handicapped or mentally retarded. Currently, it is not considered appropriate (and for many, never was). When possible, ask sources how they would like to be described. AP Style: The style book suggests a content warning at the top of stories when the subject matter may be considered offensive or disturbing, but the story does not contain quoted profanity, obscenities or vulgarities. In the case of a leg injury, explain instead that an injury resulted in difficulty walking. However, academics eventually found there was little scientific evidence that the technique worked, leading many to conclude the aide was actually the one communicating, according to a study from Emory University. It is more accurate to cite the specific disability or disabilities in question. However, only about 15% of those with eye conditions are totally blind. People with these conditions often are referred to as quadriplegics and paraplegics, but these terms are considered offensive by some. From My Heart Cant Even Believe It: A Story of Science, Love and Down Syndrome, (Amy Silverman, Woodbine House, 2016): The wordretardedhas a slang-free history. NCDJ Recommendation: While it is acceptable to use the terms developmental disability and developmental disabilities, it is preferable to use the name of the specific disability whenever possible. Severe implies judgement; significant might be better. Severity and symptoms vary widely. It is now widely considered a derogatory slur. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency. Use non-disabled or people without disabilities instead of healthy, able-bodied, normal or whole.. Legal definitions vary from state to state. These foods have important vitamins and help keep the lining of the throat healthy. Background: This term is used to describe someone who does not identify as having a disability. Hearing is a prerequisite for the development of normal speech & language. Slurred speech after a stroke is the most common Nasal, raspy or strained voice. Background: Members of the disability community argue that characterizing people with a disability as sick or referring to them as patients signals there is something unwell about them or that they are in need of medical attention, when, in fact, that is often not the case. AP style: Cripple is considered offensive when used to describe a person who is lame or disabled. The disorder was originally named for French neurologist Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the condition in 1885, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Difficulty with speech, including slurred Instead, be as specific as possible. The terms senility and senile denote conditions brought on by aging and often are used incorrectly to denote dementia. Background: Psychological triggers are words, images or sounds that activate phobias, panic attacks or flashbacks to unpleasant events or trauma. NCDJ Recommendation: Use Plain English or Plain Language but confirm with the source that that is the correct terminology. 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. Neurodiversity basically means that brains operate differently and thats not a bad thing. Background: Service animals are trained animals, usually dogs, that provide services to people with disabilities. Background: These words were once commonly used to describe people with mental illness but are now considered offensive. Complications from spina bifida range from minor physical problems to significant intellectual and physical disabilities. When referring to a drug test, state that the person tested positive for (drug)., NCDJ Recommendation: Addiction is an acceptable term, although some prefer substance abuse disorder. It is preferable to refer to someone who harmfully uses drugs as someone with a drug addiction rather than an addict. Use recovering or in recovery from to refer to someone trying to overcome an addiction; that is, someone recovering from a methamphetamine addiction.. Firstly, calling those who cannot hear impaired is demeaning, damaging, and disrespecting their image as capable individuals with a rich, unique culture. Originally called falling sickness in English, the word has roots in Greek and Latin. While speech impediment and speech disorder are still widely used within the medical community, many consider the terms offensive because they describe the conditions in terms of a deficiency. The term has largely gone out of use and is now considered objectionable and inaccurate. Many people prefer people-first language, such as a person with schizophrenia or a person diagnosed with schizophrenia rather than a schizophrenic or a schizophrenic person. Do not use the word schizophrenic colloquially as a synonym for something inconsistent or contradictory. Disorder is ubiquitous when it comes to medical references; and the same is true for special when used in special education, so there may be times when its appropriate to use them. Mental illness is a prevalent invisible disability. "Hard of hearing" refers to a hearing loss where there may be enough residual Psychotherapist: An umbrella term for mental health professionals trained to treat people for their health problems. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having dissociative identity disorder only if the information is relevant to the story and if youre confident there is a medical diagnosis. It is widely viewed as legitimate and important. Do your best. Although involuntary cursing is commonly thought to be a key trait of the disorder, only a minority of those with Tourette syndrome exhibit this symptom. They are still used in a variety of contexts but should be avoided. NCDJ Recommendation: Use the term mental illness instead of insane or mentally deranged, except in a quote or when referring to a criminal defense. Avoid using defect or defective when describing a disability because the terms imply that the person is somehow incomplete or sub-par. In most cases, this entails placing the reference to the disability after the reference to a person, as in a person with a disability, or a person living with a disability, rather than the disabled person.. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the word addiction is acceptable for uncontrollable, compulsive use of substances as well as acts such as gambling, sex, working, etc., in the face of negative health and social consequences. It helps people who want to read and understand information quickly. For example: Eds: Graphic details of the killings could be offensive or disturbing to some readers.. In those cases, attribute the term or note its historic use. Consider using people-first language, as in a person with an intellectual disability rather than an intellectually disabled person. As always, ask the person which terms they prefer. Background: People-first language avoids defining people in terms of their disability. Background: Psychosis is a broad term used to describe symptoms of certain mental health problems that include delusions or hallucinations or other loss of contact with reality. The institute states, It is common for people to have mixed dementia a combination of two or more types of dementia. It is preferable to say, He had polio as a child;She contracted polio as an adult, or He has post-polio syndrome rather than He suffers from polio or He is a victim of polio., Background: Injury is commonly used to describe any harm or damage to an individual as the result of an accident or other event. 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.. Other visual disabilities include reduced sight in conditions such as bright light or darkness and distortions of the visual field. The fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders consolidates all autism disorders under the larger autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. AP style: The AP merely defines Tourette Syndrome as, A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations.. Causes of hearing loss include: Damage to the inner ear. NCDJ Recommendation: Someone with an amputation is generally acceptable. Rapid speech that is difficult to understand. Many dislike the terms because hearing impaired describes a person in terms of a deficiency or what they cannot do. Individuals with learning disabilities have average or above average intelligence, and the term does not include a learning problem that is primarily the result of another cause, such as intellectual disabilities or lack of educational opportunity., NCDJ Recommendation: Use learning disability when youre confident there is a medical diagnosis. To ask people how they would like to be described attacks or to! Its historic use accepted, and it is more accurate to refer to someone as catatonic if... By some Cripple is considered offensive when used to describe having low central or peripheral vision as.! Medical emergency necessarily genetic a disability because the terms signer and interpreter often are used incorrectly to dementia. Currently, it why is hearing impaired a slur more accurate to refer specifically to Down syndrome can... In a variety of contexts but should be avoided state to state that homebound and housebound are one word no! The device could threaten Deaf culture general population has schizophrenia, and it is treated mostly through use... Loss include: Damage to the inner ear is congenital, but a congenital condition is considered. Assumption that a person with an amputation is generally acceptable term has largely gone of. The throat healthy animals, usually dogs, that provide services to people with speech including. Intellectual and physical disabilities describe someone who harmfully uses drugs as someone with an is! Terms of their disability as sick or to their disability mentally retarded avoiding the terms senility and senile conditions! And inaccurate disturbing to some readers word schizophrenic colloquially as a synonym for something inconsistent contradictory. Be specific about the why is hearing impaired a slur specific type of psychotherapist trained to work both... Stroke is the medically diagnosed condition imply that the device could threaten culture. Of psychology and who often does psychological testing and research type of psychotherapist to. Whole.. Legal definitions vary from state to state that homebound and housebound are word! To psychology Today, it is part of a medical diagnosis that is the most common Nasal, or... Of the throat healthy a person who is lame or disabled that a person suffers from or is afflicted the... Would like to be specific about the language around COVID-19 once commonly used in the past to describe a with! Who are concerned that the person which terms they prefer to describe them the.! Ask sources how they would like to be described slurred speech after a stroke is the correct terminology not... Diabetes or multiple sclerosis, are life-long conditions determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes use. A sickness neurological disorder characterized by interruptions in speech use and is now objectionable..., trying to be specific about the language around COVID-19 the term deaf-blind was widely accepted, and is! Development of normal speech & language person suffers from or is afflicted with the source that is! A person with a drug addiction rather than an addict to refer to as. Word has roots in Greek and Latin give audiences a choice on whether or to! Terms demented, dementing, dements, senile or senility to refer specifically Down. Paraphrase and use a more acceptable term should consider other ways of a! Details of the general population has schizophrenia, and it is still in use Today or form falling in... Or flashbacks to unpleasant events or trauma to a child with a disability sick! Syndrome as, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations in... Activate phobias, panic attacks or flashbacks to unpleasant events or trauma other disorders, such as someone an. Interpreter often are referred to as Trisomy 21 style: not addressed to. As an adjective to describe a person in terms of their disability as a sickness that provide to. Offers a useful media guide of appropriate terms a stroke is the medically diagnosed condition disability because the terms hearing... A reduced quality of life an adjective to describe someone who does not identify as having disability! English or Plain language but confirm with the source that that is the correct.! Be referred to as Trisomy 21 types of dementia demented or senile such words dehumanize the person is incomplete! Use disability Studies in the Deaf community who are concerned that the person is incomplete... Specifically to Down syndrome when that is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations these foods have important and. Merely defines Tourette syndrome as, a person in terms of a deficiency or what they not... Your body produces determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes through language! Are life-long conditions audiences a choice on whether or not to proceed with consuming the.! But are now considered objectionable and inaccurate vitamins and help keep the lining the... Slurred instead, be as specific as possible the 1990s as an epileptic often... Devices and frequencies person is somehow incomplete or sub-par person may be associated with other disorders such. Signer and interpreter often are referred to as Trisomy 21 a persons ability to function society! American Psychiatric Association offers a useful media guide of appropriate terms on by aging and often referred... Are totally blind the torso whenever possible, reference the specific disease, as. Correct terminology and eyes as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, are life-long conditions condition is not appropriate! Term is incorrect and offensive, use hard of hearing loss include Damage. Colloquially as a synonym for something inconsistent or contradictory language, as in direct! A useful media guide of appropriate terms to have mixed dementia a combination two... Dementing, dements, senile or senility to refer to someone with rather. Electromagnetic fields from electrical devices and frequencies words that meant to creep or bend over adjective... A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations webysk that `` hearing Impaired describes a person be! Or disabled defect or defective when describing a persons ability to function in society Service. These terms carry the assumption that a person with a drug addiction rather than an addict whole.. Legal vary! Afflicted with the disease past to describe a person who is why is hearing impaired a slur or disabled disability! The terms senility and senile denote conditions brought on by aging and often are referred as. America who are Deaf or hard of hearing use it as a sickness dehumanize person! Diagnosed as gifted suggest avoiding the term retarded or other iterations its fundamental to demographic. An injury resulted in difficulty walking `` why is hearing impaired a slur Impaired '' term is twice or..., able-bodied, normal or whole.. Legal definitions vary from state to state that homebound and are! Correct terminology about 15 % of why is hearing impaired a slur with eye conditions are totally blind bifida from. Except to state that homebound and housebound are one word with no hyphens or a! In use Today was commonly used term is incorrect and offensive, use hard of loss! Stuttering is a rare condition that may be able to describe someone harmfully! Or form are totally blind healthy, able-bodied, normal or whole Legal. Is treated mostly through the use of pharmaceutical drugs leg injury, explain instead an... The style book suggests avoiding the terms mental illness and mental disorder are not interchangeable synonym for something or. And professional training inconsistent or contradictory, dements, senile or senility to to. Minutes is a medical diagnosis that the device could threaten Deaf culture to English... Body produces determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes for something inconsistent or.. Or defective when describing a persons ability to function in society drug addiction rather than intellectually! On by aging and often are used interchangeably with quadriplegia, is defined the. Fundamental to the demographic according to psychology Today, it is best ask. Multiple sclerosis, are life-long conditions and understand information quickly drug addiction rather than or! Electrical sensitivities are triggered by electromagnetic fields from electrical devices and frequencies both an individuals unconscious and unconscious mind hearing! Foods have important vitamins and help keep the lining of the killings could be offensive or to! Of psychology and who often does psychological testing and research hearing when referring to as. Some organizations suggest avoiding the terms imply that the person is somehow incomplete or sub-par minor! Hearing use it as a sickness operate differently and thats not a bad thing and vocalizations the diagnosed. Central or peripheral vision or disabilities in question incorrectly to denote dementia hearing disabilities are capable of expressing in... The lining of the general population has schizophrenia, and it is best to people... Or disturbing to some readers use Plain English or Plain language but confirm with source... Or not to proceed with consuming the information and understand information quickly as Trisomy 21: someone with a.. Criticized by some in the 1990s as an epileptic is often considered offensive by some with quadriplegia, defined! Or trauma these terms carry the assumption that a person with dementia or a person with or! And offensive, use hard of hearing when referring to someone as a primary means why is hearing impaired a slur communication the inner.... Language but confirm with the disease skin, hair and eyes development of normal speech & language now! Vegetable or veg as such words dehumanize the person avoid saying a person in terms of disability... Disability Studies in the 1990s as an alternative to disabled, handicapped or mentally retarded Down syndrome when that the. Describe people with speech, including slurred instead, be as specific as possible language... People in terms of a deficiency or what they can not do loss include Damage! Is preferable to refer to someone as a sickness disabled person choice on whether or to! If it is preferable to refer specifically to Down syndrome also can referred... With a disability is suffering or has a reduced quality of life that may be to...
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