Today, many government and private organizations in the U.S. and elsewhere use deafblind instead of deaf-blind. While caregiver and caretaker often are used interchangeably, they imply something different. At times, words that are considered outdated may be appropriate because of the storys historical context. Avoid alcoholic, addict, user and abuser unless individuals prefer those terms for themselves or if they occur in quotations or names of organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Background: A defect is defined as an imperfection or shortcoming. But according to deafblind.com, in 1991, some began to advocate changing the acceptable terminology from deaf-blind to deafblind as a more general term that allows for the possibility that an individual may have additional disabilities. Tetraplegia is used interchangeably with quadriplegia.. AP Style: The only reference relates to hyphenation. Disability advocate Anthony Pulrang defines ableism in this way in an article for Forbes: Any statement or behavior directed at a disabled person that denigrates or assumes a lesser status for the person because of their disability. WebApraxia. Brain Damage There are many degrees of brain damage that range from mild to severe. If a medical diagnosis is not available, use quotes around the term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed. Why is it often considered more PC to say "Hard of Hearing" instead? The association recommends using people-first language to describe mental illness in order to avoid defining people by their disability. It often is caused by a spinal cord or brain injury and is characterized by the loss of sensory and motor function. Remember that some in the autism community object to the term. If someone has any degree of hearing loss which is below what it should be, then their hearing is technically impaired. Post-traumatic stress disorder is correct on first reference; use PTSD on second reference. Amy Silverman, NCDJ advisory board member. 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. It is acceptable to refer to someone as having spastic cerebral palsy, but it is derogatory to refer to someone as spastic or a spaz. When describing specific symptoms, it is always best to ask the person what terms they prefer. For example, emotional intelligence also is important when considering a persons overall intelligence, according to the American Psychological Association. Background: The Oxford English dictionary defines an invalid as a person made weak or disabled by illness or injury. It is probably the oldest term for someone with physical conditions that are considered seriously limiting. 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. The terms are considered derogatory because they equate symptoms of illness to filth. The center recommends against using the term harelip as it is anatomically incorrect and stigmatizing. Addiction often implies dependence on substances other than alcohol, although alcoholism is essentially alcohol addiction. Uppercase when referring to the Deaf community and lowercase when referring to the condition. See also Deaf; Cochlear implant and Hard of hearing. The discussion can be found here. However, whenever possible, ask the individual which term they prefer. 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. Background: The literal translation of spina bifida is split spine, according to the Spina Bifida Association . The terms mental illness and mental disorder are not interchangeable. en abril 28, 2022 abril 28, 2022 moaning minnie synonym. 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. Background: Dwarfism is a medical or genetic condition that results in a stature below 410, according to Little People of America. WebIt feels like hearing impaired is the PC term that people use because they're uncomfortable saying "Deaf" and that they don't know how to talk to you or are focusing on your deafness, like they need to pick the right word or you're going to 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. If possible, ask the person which is preferable. Even in the case of a direct quote, consider how offensive the term is and include the historical context if possible. AP style: Schizophrenia is classified as a mental illness. Others prefer it to disabled because dis means not, which means that disabled means not able. But particularly when it comes to referring to individuals, differently abled is problematic. Laws against suicide have been repealed in the U.S. and many other places. See entries on Depression and Mental illness/mental disorder. She experiences symptoms of psychosis is preferable to She is psychotic. He has a bipolar disorder is preferable to He is bipolar.. 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. I am Hard of Hearing (HoH), The field was founded by Sigmund Freud. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using hearing impaired or hearing impairment. For those with total hearing loss or who identity as a member of the Deaf community, deaf is acceptable. Background: Amputation refers to the removal of a bodily extremity, usually during a surgical operation, for a variety of reasons, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.People who have undergone an amputation are commonly referred to as amputees, but the term may be offensive and often is not used correctly. The federal definition of a service animal applies to any guide dog, signal dog or other animal trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. This may include animals that guide individuals with impacted vision, alert individuals with impacted hearing to intruders or sounds, provide minimal protection or rescue work, pull a wheelchair or fetch dropped items. Psychiatrist: A mental health professional able to prescribe psychotropic medications. Background: According to the University of Kansas Research & Training Center on Independent Living, disfigurement refers to physical changes caused by burns, trauma, disease or congenital conditions.. See entry on Dissociative identity disorder/multiple personality disorder. It is widely viewed as legitimate and important. 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. People with these conditions often are referred to as quadriplegics and paraplegics, but these terms are considered offensive by some. For example, a person may be able to describe having low central or peripheral vision. Do not assume that a person who has had a seizure has epilepsy. Another note this time about the language around COVID-19. 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. Several U.S. disability groups have always used identity-first terms, specifically the culturally Deaf community and the autistic rights community. NCDJ Recommendation: The word stuttering is preferred over stammering. While people-first language is generally preferred (a person who stutters), some individuals may prefer stutterer. When possible, ask. 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. Chronic illnesses such as Parkinsons disease, diabetes, lupus or Crohns disease may fall into the category of invisible disabilities. According to the National Association for Gifted Children, Twice-exceptional learners are students who give evidence of the potential for high achievement capability in areas such as specific academics, general intellectual ability, creativity, leadership and/or visual, spatial or performing arts and also give evidence of one or more disabilities as defined by federal or state eligibility criteria, such as specific learning disabilities, speech and language disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, autism spectrum or other health impairments, such as ADHD. NCDJ Recommendation: Because anonymity is central to the organization, disclose that someone is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous only if it is essential to the story. Avoid using it casually as it may be offensive and inaccurate. NCDJ Recommendation: Do not say someone has had a seizure unless there has been a medical diagnosis. In general, avoid using able-bodied except in a quote. Bipolar disorder often develops during late adolescence or early adulthood. If a medical diagnosis is not available, use quotes around the term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed. 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. 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.. The most common answer is that they simply dont work very well 1. Background: Merriam-Webster defines the noun cripple as a lame or partly disabled person or animal and as something flawed or imperfect. It also is used as a verb. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having bipolar disorder only if the information is relevant to the story and you are confident there is a medical diagnosis. 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. There are four types of spina bifida. NCDJ Recommendation: It is acceptable to describe a person as someone with cerebral palsy, followed by a short explanation of what the condition entails. NCDJ Recommendation: These phrases are coming into wider use and often are preferable to the alternatives. Avoid confined to a wheelchair or wheelchair-bound as these terms describe a person only in relationship to a piece of equipment. NCDJ Recommendation: The proper term for the disorder is Down syndrome, not Downs syndrome or Downs Syndrome. 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. Many people consider defect and other forms of the term offensive when describing a disability as they imply the person is deficient or inferior to others. NCDJ Recommendation: Use of the term is acceptable, although an explanation of the meaning will be needed for mainstream audiences who are probably not familiar with it. Background: Quadriplegia is defined as the paralysis of all four limbs as well as the torso. AP style: Not specifically addressed, but AP refers to paraplegia in its general disability entry. Those with such disabilities often require lifelong or extended support. Ask individuals how they prefer to be described. Epilepsy is most commonly treated with medication but treatment also can include use of medical devices, surgery, diet and emerging therapy methods. Help them exercise regularly. Opinions vary on how to refer to someone with autism. For example, millions of Americans are hard of hearing but most do not use sign language and many do not use hearing aids. Background: Hard of hearing is the most common term for those who have a mild to moderate hearing loss that may or may not be corrected with amplification. If someone uses American Sign Language, lip-reads or uses other means to communicate, state that. Some people with ADHD prefer to say they have the condition; others prefer to say they are ADHD. For similar reasons, there is disagreement about characterizing disease or illness as a battle, as in to battle cancer. These arguments surfaced after U.S. It is best to ask your sources what they prefer and take that into consideration. Refrain from using the term trigger warning in a flip or casual way. 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. Use lower case unless referring to the Great Depression. Background: The terms mentally retarded, retard and mental retardation were once common terms that are now considered outdated and offensive. Senator John McCain died in the summer of 2018. Physical damage to the brain: Brain damage can affect both structure and function. Instead, we hope you will double down to find out how people would like to be described. Manifestations may include stuttering, articulation errors or an inability to move the tongue (commonly referred to as tongue-tied). AP style: PTSD is acceptable on either first or second reference but should be spelled out at least one time. Little People of America has a statement on the M word., The terms little people and little person refer to people of short stature and have come into common use since the founding of the Little People of America organization in 1957. 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. A minimally conscious state is one in which a patient has some awareness of self and/or the environment. When covering AA, consider referring to members by their first name only unless official references or context requires otherwise. combination of your inner ear and the nerves in your ear. 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. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using the terms unless used in a direct quote. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Difficulty with speech, including slurred AP style: Not addressed except to recommend using hard of hearing without hyphens unless it is an adjective directly preceding a person.