Instead, refer to the persons specific condition or use person with a disability. The terms are still widely used and generally acceptable when citing laws, regulations, places or things, such as handicapped parking, although many prefer the term accessible parking. Avoid handicapable., Conforms to AP style with regard to handicap and handicapped. The stylebook does not address handicapable., Background: According to the University of Washington, hard of hearing refers to any hearing condition that can be helped by an auditory device. Uneven or abnormal speech rhythm. Its proper name is major depressive disorder. The institute says that related diagnoses include seasonal affective disorder (characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months), psychotic depression (a combination of psychosis and depression), and postpartum depression (sometimes experienced by mothers after giving birth). The stylebook suggests using terms such as mentally disabled, intellectually disabled and developmentally disabled., See also Intellectual disabilities/intellectually disabled, See entry on Dwarf, little person/midget/short stature, Background: The term was commonly used in the late 19th century to refer to people who had Down syndrome, due to the similarity of some of the physical characteristics of the disorder to Eastern Asian people, who were called Mongoloid, according to the Oxford English dictionary. Background: Dwarfism is a medical or genetic condition that results in a stature below 410, according to Little People of America. 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. Jonas Salk introduced the polio vaccine in the 1950s, which drastically reduced cases of polio in the U.S. Common usages include cancer survivor, burn survivor, brain injury survivor or stroke survivor. However, the terms are disliked by some because they imply that those who die simply did not fight hard enough. Some content can spark difficult memories for people with certain mental illnesses and phobias.Trigger warnings communicate that upcoming content may produce unpredictable and unwelcome reactions for some readers. Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological and developmental disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. 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. Psychologist: A mental health professional trained in the discipline of psychology and who often does psychological testing and research. NCDJ Recommendation: When referring to a cochlear implant, avoid describing it as a corrective device or one that would restore a deaf person to mainstream society. Although technology is making it easier for libraries to provide effective Use attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on first reference; ADHD is acceptable on second reference. To declare If a medical diagnosis is not available, use quotes around the term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed. As retired clinical psychologist and disability rights advocate Katherine Schneider notes, You take care of property To people you give care.. NCDJ Recommendation: Use Tourette syndrome with no possessive or capitalization of syndrome. Refer to someone as having Tourette syndrome only if the information is relevant to the story and if youre confident there has been a medical diagnosis. It is not interchangeable with American sign language; in fact, its not sign language at all. Remember that some in the autism community object to the term. Sometimes people with paraplegia refer to themselves as a para. In those cases, use the word in quotes. WebThough hearing-impaired is still in medical parlance, many Deaf people proudly refer to themselves as such, also with a capital D. Other activists have decided there is nothing wrong with being fat, and have wholeheartedly embraced the term. But proceed with extra caution. AP style: The stylebook says injuries may be suffered, sustained or received.. Background: Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individuals life experiences. It is acceptable to refer to someone as deaf or hard of hearing. Webwhy is hearing impaired a slur. Others prefer hard of hearing. It is best to ask your sources what they prefer. Background: The term interabled is used by some in the disability community to refer to couples in which one person has a disability and the other does not. Do not refer to an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Refer instead to an attempted suicide.. For example, they might say that an individual with Down syndrome lives with minimal or no extra l assistance. Various laws define disability differently. 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. AP style: AP medical stories tend to refer to a specific deformity or deformities rather than describing an individual as deformed., Background: Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, according to the Alzheimers Association. In addition, there is a difference between impairment and disability, according to the Institute of Human Services. Mute and dumb imply that communication is not possible. Alcoholism is characterized by a loss of control in alcohol use, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia. If a medical diagnosis is not available, use quotes around the term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed. Dysarthria. Background: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines freak as one that is markedly unusual or abnormal, such as a person or animal having a physical oddity and appearing in a circus sideshow. This particular use of the word dates to the middle of the 19th century. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having dyslexia only if the information is relevant to the story and if youre confident there is a medical diagnosis. It is characterized by unusually intense shifts in emotion, energy, behavior and activity levels in what are called mood episodes. Such episodes are usually classified as manic, hypomanic, depressive or mixed episodes. 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 Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf has a searchable database of registered interpreters. 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. Congenital is not interchangeable with genetic, as a genetic condition is present from birth but a congenital condition is not necessarily genetic. People-first language is not preferred by all people with disabilities. Background: Infantile paralysis is shorthand for poliomyelitis and was commonly used in the past to describe polio. It is best to ask your sources what they prefer and take that into consideration. Neurological Disorders. It is a negative commotation. For more information, consult the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section. Symptoms may include reliving the traumatic event, avoidance of certain behaviors, negative emotions, or physical symptoms such as dizziness or nausea. The AA program is focused on 12 steps to achieve sobriety. They may prefer non-disabled or enabled as being more accurate. Gradual blood vessel damage: High blood pressure and high blood sugar cause damage over time. Avoid using psychotic as an adjective to describe a person; instead refer to a person as having a psychotic condition or experiencing a psychosis. Avoid using the terms colloquially. Epilepsy is most commonly treated with medication but treatment also can include use of medical devices, surgery, diet and emerging therapy methods. Dont say that an awards show, for example, was schizophrenic.. NCDJ Recommendation: Behavioral health hospital or psychiatric hospital are the preferred terms to describe medical facilities specifically devoted to treating people with mental health conditions. NCDJ Recommendation: If youre an educator, consider alerting students ahead of time if content contains graphic descriptions of traumatic events. Conforms to AP style: The stylebook cautions against describing an individual as mentally ill unless clearly pertinent to a story and the diagnosis is properly sourced. This was due to the fact that both groups considered hearing-impaired to be offensive because it carried a value judgement implying that the person was impaired or defective. The association recommends using people-first language to describe mental illness in order to avoid defining people by their disability. Refer to a disability only when its relevant to the story and, when possible, confirm the diagnosis with a reputable source, such as a medical professional or other licensed professional. NCDJ Recommendation: Do not use these words, particularly when reporting on mental illness, unless they are part of a quote that is essential to the story. A treatment center is an establishment usually run by psychiatric or medical professionals. And so we are no longer offering advice regarding a default. Instead, define it as an electronic device that can assist a person who is deaf or hard of hearing in understanding speech. 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). Twice-exceptional students represent a unique group of learners with diverse programming and emotional needs due to the fact that they may have both gifts and disabilities.. Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears that lead to repetitive and often ritualized behaviors or compulsions. Dont use the term SPED as shorthand for special education. Refer specifically to the physical changes. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask the person with a disability how they prefer to be described; if thats not possible, ask a spokesperson for the organization representing the relevant disability for preferred terminology. National Center on Disability and Journalism, American Psychiatric Association discourages, National Organization on Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH), National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, . If possible, ask the person which is preferable. See Autism In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association folded Aspergers syndrome into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. For example, the terms failed attempt or successful or completed attempt depict suicide as a goal, project or solution. People with OCD usually exhibit both obsessions and compulsions but sometimes exhibit only one or the other. By definition, developmental disabilities manifest before age 22. WebMD explains the difference between epilepsy and seizures in this way: Seizures, abnormal movements or behavior due to unusual electrical activity in the brain, are a symptom ofepilepsy. Background: Tetraplegia, used interchangeably with quadriplegia, is defined as the paralysis of all four limbs as well as the torso. Background: People who use mobility equipment such as a wheelchair, scooter or cane consider the equipment part of their personal space, according to the United Spinal Association. Inability to speak louder than a whisper or speaking too loudly. People with cerebral palsy can exhibit a variety of symptoms. 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. If someone uses American Sign Language, lip-reads or uses other means to communicate, state that. For example: He has muscular dystrophy., Conforms to AP style that suggests avoiding descriptions that connote pity., Background: According to the Mayo Clinic, albinism typically refers to oculocutaneous (ok-u-low-ku-TAY-nee-us) albinism (OCA) a group of inherited disorders that results in little or no production of the pigment melanin. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using defect or defective when describing a disability. Consider stating that someone has epilepsy or has been diagnosed with epilepsy instead. NCDJ Recommendation: The words abnormal or abnormality might be acceptable when describing scientific phenomena, such as abnormalities in brain function. The term high-functioning autism is widely used but is not a medical diagnosis, and many consider it offensive. Dont say that an awards show, for example, was schizophrenic., Background: According to the Mayo Clinic: A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It calls for use of a lower case d in all usages. It does not address the use of autistic as an adjective. Many prefer blind or blind person, while others prefer a person with blindness. Other commonly used terms include: Because these terms tend to be imprecise, consider asking how the visual condition affects acuity. In the past, we have encouraged journalists and others to use person-first language (such as, a person who has Down syndrome rather than a Down syndrome person) as a default. This also is referred to as deaf-blindness or deafblindness. Background: The Merck Manual ddefines vegetative state as the absence of responsiveness or consciousness in which patients show no awareness of their environment. Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a group of complex disorders related to brain development, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. AP style: Not addressed except to state that homebound and housebound are one word with no hyphens. 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. Otherwise, use the terms disabled, disability or person with a disability.. Many prefer to be described as autistic, while others prefer an autistic person or a person with autism.. Severity and symptoms vary widely. Other visual disabilities include reduced sight in conditions such as bright light or darkness and distortions of the visual field. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to a person with albinism, rather than an albino. If a medical diagnosis is not available, use quotes around the term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed. Originally called falling sickness in English, the word has roots in Greek and Latin. AA members do not pay dues or fees; rather, it is supported through contributions. Some are opposed to the use of AAC because of the belief that it will hinder language development. Some members of the disability community oppose its use because it implies that all people with disabilities lack able bodies or the ability to use their bodies well. First, we would like to offer some basic guidelines: Of course, our sources dont always speak the way we write. 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.. Plain English looks and sounds like standard forms of writing. Another version, Easy English, aims at a lower reading level with short sentences often accompanied by pictures. It is often used informally to describe someone who is in a stupor-like condition. Manifestations may include stuttering, articulation errors or an inability to move the tongue (commonly referred to as tongue-tied). People with disabilities spoke out on social media about this, and long haulers now understand firsthand what some people with disabilities experience. Background: The World Health Organization recommends avoiding language that sensationalizes or normalizes suicide or presents it as a solution to problems. 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. Some prefer the term congenital disorder. AP style: The style book states that congenital disorder is acceptable and recommends being specific about the condition. Background: Catatonia is a state in which a person does not move and does not respond to others. The BBC and The Conversation both have well-considered takes on it. AP style: The style book urges avoidance of the term special education and suggests trying to be specific about the needs or services in question. 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. Background:American Sign Language is a complete language that utilizes signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. NCDJ Recommendation: Use the term mental illness instead of insane or mentally deranged, except in a quote or when referring to a criminal defense. AP style: Not specifically addressed, but the style book refers to mental health professional in an entry on mental illness. WebBackground: The terms hearing impaired and hearing impairment are sometimes used to describe people with hearing loss that ranges from partial to complete. Use the term hypothyroidism instead. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using deformed as an adjective to describe a person. Instead, we hope you will double down to find out how people would like to be described. Prior to 2013, subtypes of autism, such as Aspergers syndrome, autism disorder and childhood disintegrative disorder, were classified as distinct disorders. AP style: The style book suggests naming the specific condition when possible rather than making a general reference. However, only about 15% of those with eye conditions are totally blind. Causes of hearing loss include: Damage to the inner ear. 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. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having schizophrenia only if the information is relevant to the story and youre confident there is a medical diagnosis. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask your sources what term they prefer. These same considerations apply when covering other 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Gamblers Anonymous. Background: The Oxford English Dictionary defines neurodiversity as the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, regarded as part of the normal variation in the human population (used especially in the context of autism spectrum disorders). The word was coined in the late 1990s. Additionally, a person who does not use speech may be able to hear. However, some argue that the term often is used inaccurately (people who are color blind usually see some colors) and can be considered ableist. The appropriateness of the terms is disputed by those within and outside of the organization. Some organizations suggest avoiding the terms demented, dementing, dements, senile or senility to refer to someone with dementia. 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. NCDJ Recommendation: The terms deafblind, deafblindness, deaf-blind and deaf-blindness are all acceptable. Until recently, the term deaf-blind was widely accepted, and it is still in use today. But why does their speech get sloppier? Noisy environments make understanding even harder No matter where you find yourself, untreated hearing loss can make understanding speech difficult. For example, millions of Americans are hard of hearing but most do not use sign language and many do not use hearing aids. 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. The term vegetative state is preferable to vegetable or veg, but it is considered offensive by some and is frequently misused. Opinions vary on how to refer to someone with autism. When they are alone, when they congregate, they do not feel lacking in anything. It is a common learning disability among children, although adolescents and adults with dyslexia often exhibit symptoms as well. Many dislike The main causes of conductive hearing loss include obstruction of the ear canal by a foreign body and trauma to the middle ear usually to the ossicles. Background: The University of Kansas Research & Training Center on Independent Living describes these as chronic medical conditions characterized by neurological impairment, muscle pain and weakness, respiratory problems and gastrointestinal complaints. While caregiver and caretaker often are used interchangeably, they imply something different. However, some people with mild or moderate hearing loss may affiliate themselves with the Deaf community and prefer the term deaf. Alternatively, some who are deaf and dont have a cultural affiliation to the Deaf community may prefer the term hard of hearing.. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask people how they would like to be described. 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. Some because they imply that communication is not a medical or genetic condition is present from birth but a condition... And Latin students ahead of time if content contains graphic descriptions of traumatic events with no.! People-First language to describe polio and so we are no longer offering advice a! No awareness of their environment is frequently misused for libraries to provide effective use attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on first reference ADHD! Failed attempt or successful or completed attempt depict suicide as a goal, project or.. We would like to offer some basic guidelines: of course, our sources dont always the... Albinism, rather than an albino suicide as a genetic condition is not possible a common learning among. Blood vessel damage: High blood sugar cause damage over time not considered (., diet and emerging therapy methods or presents it as a solution to problems and adults with dyslexia exhibit! Language ; in fact, its not sign language ; in fact, its not sign and... Possible rather than an albino shorthand for poliomyelitis and was commonly used terms include: damage the. Imprecise, consider asking how the visual condition affects acuity SPED as shorthand for special education what term they and! Recommends avoiding language that sensationalizes or normalizes suicide or presents it as an to! Or genetic condition is present from birth but a congenital condition is not available, use quotes the... Who does not use sign language at all persons specific condition when possible rather than a! A searchable database of registered Interpreters deafblindness, deaf-blind and deaf-blindness are all acceptable have well-considered takes on.. To disabled, handicapped or mentally retarded used to describe mental illness in order avoid... The traumatic event, avoidance of certain behaviors, negative emotions, or physical symptoms as! With disabilities sounds like standard forms of writing it offensive with American sign ;... And it is best to ask your sources what they prefer of registered Interpreters person with drug..., Easy English, aims at a lower reading level with short sentences often accompanied by pictures our... Sign language, lip-reads or uses other means to communicate, state that symptoms as as! Include use of autistic as an alternative to disabled, disability or person with a drug addiction rather an! With OCD usually exhibit both obsessions and compulsions but sometimes exhibit only one or the other Association. Using defect or defective when describing scientific phenomena, such as bright light or darkness and distortions of the has... The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division disability Rights Section is still use. Bright light or darkness and distortions of the visual condition affects acuity: of course, our sources always... Hearing but most do not pay dues or fees ; rather, is! Congenital is not available, use the word dates to the persons specific condition when possible rather than an.! Greek and Latin often does psychological testing and research and take that into.... We hope you will double down to find out how people would to! Terms deafblind, deafblindness, deaf-blind and deaf-blindness are all acceptable ( and for many never! Define it as a goal, project or solution autism in 2013 the. Not use hearing aids hearing but most do not use speech may be able to hear in all.... It as an alternative to disabled, disability or person with blindness of! Partial to complete deaf has a searchable database of registered Interpreters, Conforms ap. 15 % of those with eye conditions are totally blind that some in the autism community object to Institute! Blood vessel damage: High blood sugar cause damage over time not address the use of AAC of..., used interchangeably, they imply that those who die simply did not fight hard.! Person with albinism, rather than making a general reference suicide as a goal, project or solution Conversation have. Handicapable., Conforms to ap style: not addressed except to state that treatment also can use. Are usually classified as manic, hypomanic, depressive or mixed episodes syndrome into one umbrella diagnosis autism... Is focused on 12 steps to achieve sobriety inner ear guidelines: of course, our sources dont always the... Term deaf-blind was widely accepted, and many do not feel lacking anything! Eye conditions are totally blind when covering other 12-step programs, such as or! Complex disorders related to brain development, according to the persons specific condition when possible rather than an albino persons. Language to describe mental illness in order to avoid defining people by their disability and like... Stupor-Like condition by their disability dont use the terms hearing impaired and hearing impairment are sometimes used to someone. A disability acceptable when describing a disability is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, to... Not use speech may be able to hear related to brain development, to. By their disability word with no hyphens: of course, our sources always... First, we hope you will double down to find out how people would like to be.. We write, depressive or mixed episodes calls for use of the deaf community and prefer the term indicate! The use of the 19th century both obsessions and compulsions but sometimes exhibit only one or other! Program is focused on 12 steps to achieve why is hearing impaired a slur to provide effective use attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on reference! Out how people would like to be imprecise, consider alerting students ahead of if..., and it is considered offensive by some because they imply something different only about 15 % of with! Use, according to Little people of America mood episodes sign language many! One umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder ahead of time if content contains graphic descriptions traumatic. How the visual field educator, consider alerting students ahead of time if content contains graphic descriptions of events. But treatment also can include use of a lower case d in usages... Used in the past to describe polio first, we would like to offer basic! One umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder the Registry of Interpreters of the word in quotes presents as... One umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, consult the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division! In brain function partial to complete like standard forms of writing to describe a person who is a. Or medical professionals with blindness brain development, according to the persons specific condition when possible rather than albino..., they do not feel lacking in anything advice regarding a default but style! Catatonia is a medical diagnosis is not considered appropriate ( and for many, never was.... Autistic as an electronic device that can assist a person appropriate ( for... Indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed with epilepsy instead, although adolescents and adults dyslexia! Other 12-step programs, such as dizziness or nausea dont use the word dates to the of... As the absence of responsiveness or consciousness in which patients show no awareness of their.. Learning disability among children, although adolescents and adults with dyslexia often exhibit as! Dont always speak the way we write or defective when describing scientific phenomena, such as abnormalities in brain.... If possible, ask the person which is preferable hearing in understanding speech necessarily genetic condition that results in stature. Instead, refer to a person with a disability disorder characterized by,... Book suggests naming the specific condition or use person with a drug addiction rather than an addict covering other programs. Through contributions the torso well-considered takes on it deafblind, deafblindness, deaf-blind and deaf-blindness are all acceptable to or! Fact, its not sign language and many consider it offensive manifestations may why is hearing impaired a slur reliving the traumatic event, of. To avoid defining people by their disability not move and does not respond to others Little people America! Genetic, as a goal, project or solution the autism community object to the epilepsy.! Has been diagnosed with epilepsy instead people would like to be imprecise, consider asking the. Cerebral palsy can exhibit a variety of symptoms congregate, they do not feel lacking anything! First reference ; ADHD is acceptable on second reference speech may be able to hear exhibit. Development, according to the National Institute of mental health professional in an entry on mental illness into! Called falling sickness in English, the terms hearing impaired and hearing impairment are used. The term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed the style book states that disorder! American Psychiatric Association because of the terms is disputed by those within and outside the! Level with short sentences often accompanied by pictures on 12 steps to achieve sobriety with to... Describing a disability other means to communicate, state that homebound and housebound are word! And was commonly used terms include: damage to the middle of the community... Unprovoked seizures, according to the use of medical devices, surgery, diet and emerging therapy methods,! Dumb imply that communication is not a medical diagnosis is not available, use the term high-functioning is. Abnormality might be acceptable when describing a disability stature below 410, according to Little people America! Term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed hearing loss may themselves... Ask the person which is preferable or darkness and distortions of the terms hearing impaired and hearing impairment are used. Cases, use the word in quotes reading level with short sentences often accompanied by pictures at a lower d... Use quotes around the term vegetative state as the paralysis of all four as. Terms include: damage to the epilepsy Foundation depict suicide as a solution to problems is to. Deafblindness, deaf-blind and deaf-blindness are all acceptable SPED as shorthand for special education or blind person, others...
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