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Sensitivity Guidelines
The following are suggestions regarding use of certain terminology when reporting on disability. This is not an exhaustive compilation, but a list of general guidelines. For further information, consult the Associated Press Stylebook.
Loaded Terms and Stylistic Caveats:
- Never call individuals with arthritis “patients,” “victims” or “sufferers.” Instead, refer to them as people with arthritis or persons with arthritis.
- The term “patient,” however, is appropriate when used in a strictly medical context.
- Never define people by their disability, such as labeling someone as “arthritic” or “schizophrenic.” Try to emphasize the person, not the impairment.
- Avoid emotional qualifiers such as “unfortunate,” “miserable,” “pitiful,” “wretched” or “poor.”
- Avoid vague labels such as “visually challenged” instead of “blind” and “physically incapacitated” instead of “disabled”.
- Never refer to people with disability as “cripples” or “handicapped.” Use “disabled” or a person with “a physical impairment” instead.
- Use “accessible entrance” instead of entrance for the disabled or disabled entrance.
- Do not refer to healthy people as “normal.”
- Do not use the term “wheelchair bound” or “confined to a wheelchair.” Prefer “wheelchair user” instead.
The “Hero” Pitfall:
- Beware of “the hero” story. Not only is the “hero” approach a cliché, but people with disabilities do not wish to be portrayed as either heroes or victims. Try to tell their stories without depicting them as saints or martyrs.
Avoid the “Gawker” Syndrome:
- Do not focus on the disability or deformity itself and do not write tear-jerkers about severely disabled people, conditions and deformities. Instead, focus on the social and other barriers and problems faced by people with disabilities.
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