A nonspeaking individual may understand and use language just in a different way, such as through American Sign Language. Its traced to religion in 1636 (he to his long retarded Wrath gives wings); to medicine in 1785 (Polypus, sometimes obstructs the vagina, and gives retarded labour); and later to politics (Arguably, the legacy of communism manifests itself most acutely in the retarded economic development of the east). NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to injuries as being sustained or received rather than suffered, as suffer implies that an injured person is a victim or somehow less than a person who has not been injured. Webwhy is hearing impaired a slur. Background: Prelingually deaf refers to individuals who were born deaf or became deaf prior to learning to understand and speak a language, according to Gallaudet University, a university for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, D.C. Postlingually deaf or late-deafened describes people who lost their hearing ability after they learned to speak a language. Rapid speech that is difficult to understand. Limited vision: Acceptable when a person is not legally or completely blind, Low vision: Acceptable when a person is not legally or completely blind. 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. Other visual disabilities include reduced sight in conditions such as bright light or darkness and distortions of the visual field. Additional material: I Dont Have Autism, Im Autistic, Lenny Letter. Brain damage. They recommend color vision deficiency.. Background: According to the National Association for Gifted Children, giftedness is characterized by the capacity to perform above the level of ones peers. Neurodiversity basically means that brains operate differently and thats not a bad thing. Background: A language researcher introduced the term audism in 1975, according to Britannica, which defines it as people who continually judge deaf peoples intelligence and success on the basis of their ability in the language of the hearing culture. It also appears when deaf people themselves actively participate in the oppression of other deaf people by demanding of them the same set of standards, behavior, and values that they demand of hearing people. The term reemerged in the 1990s and is generally accepted today. The terms senility and senile denote conditions brought on by aging and often are used incorrectly to denote dementia. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using handicap and handicapped when describing a person. Use recovering to refer to someone with the disease of addiction, as in someone recovering from alcoholism.. The World Federation of the Deaf has taken the stance that hearing impaired is no longer an acceptable term. NCDJ Recommendation: Treatment is an acceptable term for medical interventions, and treatment center is acceptable for the establishment in which such practices take place. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network recommends not referring to Aspergers at all but to instead refer to autism or autism spectrum disorder. 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. Background: These phrases are used to describe conditions in which arms, legs, fingers, or toes are missing, not fully formed or shaped in a different way, either as a result of an amputation or a congenital condition. Mayo Clinic. Sometimes people with quadriplegia refer to themselves as quads. In these cases, use in quotes. Psychoanalyst: A specific type of psychotherapist trained to work with both an individuals unconscious and unconscious mind. It is typically caused by a spinal cord or brain injury. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask people how they would like to be described. Not every person with a disability suffers, is a victim or is stricken. Many prefer people-first language, such as a person with quadriplegia rather than quadriplegic, since the latter implies that the condition defines them. Refer specifically to the physical changes. AP style: The stylebook says birth defect is acceptable in broad references, such as lessening the chances of birth defects. 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.. Its best to avoid using clean and dirty with regard to drug test results, according to the Center for Substance Abuse and Treatment. In general, avoid using able-bodied except in a quote. The center also recommends using the word misuse in place of abuse when describing harmful drug usage. Should a story about residents complaining about noisy airplanes flying over their houses note that one of the residents who is complaining uses a wheelchair? It is acceptable to refer to someone as deaf or hard of hearing. The word condition is often a good substitute that avoids judgement. NCDJ Recommendation: Both terms are acceptable, although many people prefer people-first language, stating that someone is a person with an intellectual disability rather than referring to the person as intellectually disabled. Journalists also may want to include such warnings in material distributed to a general audience. Epilepsy is most commonly treated with medication but treatment also can include use of medical devices, surgery, diet and emerging therapy methods. The foundation also uses the term visually impaired, but some object to the use of the words impair or impairment when describing a disability. It is widely viewed as legitimate and important. The device does not fully restore hearing, but it gives a representation of sounds to help a person understand speech. (There are physical considerations that rule out cochlear implants for some.). If a preference is unknown, specify the condition rather than referring to it as a hidden disability, which is vague and open to interpretation. 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. Physical damage to the brain: Brain damage can affect both structure and function. However, some people still strongly support the method. Background: Ableism refers to discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities. 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. It is more accurate to cite the specific disability or disabilities in question. Earwax buildup (cerumen) can occlude sound from passing through to the middle ear. Those with an ADHD diagnosis may also exhibit difficulty sitting still or engaging in quiet activities. It also causes pain, exhaustion, and shortness of breath, all of which interfere with speech. Background: Identify-first language contrasts with people-first language. Disability advocacy groups emphasize that it is important not to assume people are homebound if they are disabled. AP style: Avoid using committed suicide except in direct quotations from authorities. Avoid using hearing impaired or partial or partially in reference to deafness or hearing loss unless people use those terms for themselves. For example, if I say that I am hearing-impaired, people may get the impression that Im incapable of something. Use of the word dwarf is considered acceptable when referring to the genetic condition, but it is often considered offensive when used in a non-medical sense. This hearing-impaired population may be even more isolated than the visually impaired community. Do not use the terms addiction and dependence interchangeably. Be cautious about calling someone an ableist just as you would be cautious about calling someone a racist or a sexist. NCDJ Recommendation: The terms deafblind, deafblindness, deaf-blind and deaf-blindness are all acceptable. Referring to someone as a paraplegic is offensive to some people as it implies that their condition defines them. AP style: The AP merely defines Tourette Syndrome as, A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations.. Background: The Merck Manual ddefines vegetative state as the absence of responsiveness or consciousness in which patients show no awareness of their environment. 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. question whether there is such a thing as a gifted child. It is important to note that some autism advocates do not like this term; it tends to be embraced by self advocates, but not as frequently by families of people with autism who also have intellectual disabilities and other challenges. WebFeeling Tired or Stressed. The discussion can be found here. According to the University of Kansas Research & Training Center on Independent Living, post-polio syndrome is a condition that affects some persons who have had poliomyelitis (polio) long after recovery from the disease. 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: Specify American Sign Language on first reference, capitalizing all three words. For example, some people have Alzheimers disease and vascular dementia.. 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. Even with the caveat that this does not apply to all, we have heard from many people with disabilities who take issue with that advice. Instead, always try to specify the type of disability being referenced. 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 is caused by the muscles that are used to create speech not functioning properly or to their best ability. Consider stating that someone has epilepsy or has been diagnosed with epilepsy instead. If thats not possible, ask a spokesperson for the organization representing the relevant disability for preferred terminology. If possible, ask the person which is preferable. NCDJ Recommendation: It is acceptable to describe a person as someone with cerebral palsy, followed by a short explanation of what the condition entails. The term special education is still widely used when referring to public school programs, although some government entities use titles like exceptional student services.. Do not assume that a person who has had a seizure has epilepsy. 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: Consider using speech disability instead of impediment, disorder or impairment.. Use attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on first reference; ADHD is acceptable on second reference. Alternatively, it is acceptable to say that a person has had a disability since birth or was born with a disability. State the specific disability if possible. However, its use is relatively rare and not generally accepted. The institute states, It is common for people to have mixed dementia a combination of two or more types of dementia. Various laws define disability differently. NCDJ Recommendation: Use person with a brain injury or person with a traumatic brain injury rather than brain damaged, which is considered derogatory. Background: Disability and disabled generally describe functional limitations that affect one or more of the major life activities, including walking, lifting, learning and breathing. Post-traumatic stress disorder is correct on first reference; use PTSD on second reference. There is some ambiguity about the difference between stuttering and stammering and which term is appropriate in different contexts. Background: The Americans with Disabilities Act is federal civil rights legislation that was signed into law in 1990 to address discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications as well as state and local government services. Heart attack: Heart attacks cause pain, exhaustion, and shortness of breath, which can result in slurred speech. Similarly, there is not really a good way to describe the nature of a condition. 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. Some consider it condescending, offensive or simply a way of avoiding talking about disability. 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. 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. It does not address the use of autistic as an adjective. Today, many government and private organizations in the U.S. and elsewhere use deafblind instead of deaf-blind. In the second case, the answer is maybe. If the hikers blindness contributed to him or her getting stranded, making note of that fact is relevant. If Full Deaf, call them Deaf. 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: 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. The term has largely gone out of use and is now considered objectionable and inaccurate. It is a common learning disability among children, although adolescents and adults with dyslexia often exhibit symptoms as well. 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. Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. It was first reported in 1866 by Dr. John Langdon Down and is characterized by a range of physical and cognitive characteristics, which the National Institutes of Health details. Slurred speech without alcohol is linked to a variety of diagnoses that are cause for concern, including: Multiple Sclerosis Brain Tumors Lyme Disease Head Injury Cerebral Palsy Stroke Inability to speak louder than a whisper or speaking too loudly. Another commonly used term is twice exceptional or 2E, which refers to a child with a disability who also is diagnosed as gifted. Those with dysarthria often slur or drag their words when they try to pronounce them. For example, a person may be able to describe having low central or peripheral vision. According to the National Institute on Aging, other dementias include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders and vascular dementia. Syracuse Universitys Disability Cultural Center says, The basic reason behind members of (some disability) groups dislike for the application of people-first language to themselves is that they consider their disabilities to be inseparable parts of who they are. For example, they prefer to be referred to as autistic, blind or disabled.. Other symptoms include memory loss, emotional issues, disorientation and the development of other mental disorders. They may prefer non-disabled or enabled as being more accurate. The phrase abnormal behavior reflects social-cultural standards and is open to different interpretations. However, The National Association of the Deaf supports the identity-first approach. Slurring your words can be commonly caused by exhaustion or alcohol consumption. Deaf-mute was traditionally used to refer to people who can neither speak nor hear in traditional ways. 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. According to the University of Kansas Research & Training Center on Independent Living, Non-disabled is the preferred term when the context calls for a comparison between people with and without disabilities. Do not substitute slow learner or another derogatory term like retarded.. It is characterized by new muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain and fatigue., NCDJ Recommendation: Use the term polio rather than infantile paralysis. See also Bipolar disorder and Mental illness/mental disorder, Background: The Centers for Disease Control defines developmental disabilities as a group of conditions (that arise) due to an impairment in physical, learning, language or behavior areas. Historically it was called mongoloidism, and people with it were called Mongoloids; this is now considered offensive. 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. 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. NCDJ Recommendation: Someone with an amputation is generally acceptable. AA members do not pay dues or fees; rather, it is supported through contributions. Severity and symptoms vary widely. In those cases, attribute the term or note its historic use. 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. OCD may present as a fear of contamination, disarray or intrusion, according to the Mayo Clinic. Referring to someone as an epileptic is often considered offensive. In an official position statement, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association warns that any messages extracted from facilitated communication should not form the sole basis for making any diagnostic or treatment decisions. Other organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the International Society for Augmentive and Alternative Communication also oppose facilitated communication. They are still used in a variety of contexts but should be avoided. The American Psychiatric Association offers a useful media guide of appropriate terms. Physical deformities can arise from a number of causes, including genetic mutations, various disorders, amputations and complications in utero or at birth. 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. It is best to ask people which term they prefer to describe them. 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. Dementia is not a specific illness; it refers to a wide range of symptoms. NCDJ Recommendation: Use the term mental illness instead of insane or mentally deranged, except in a quote or when referring to a criminal defense. Slurred speech without alcohol is linked to a variety of Journalists should consider other ways of describing a persons ability to function in society. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask your sources what term they prefer. AP Style: The style book suggests avoiding the term and, instead, trying to be specific about the disability. Background: According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, a genetic disorder is caused in whole or in part by a change in the DNA sequence away from the normal sequence. According to the University of Washington. Personally, I'm not offended by this term at all. 3. AP style: The stylebook says injuries may be suffered, sustained or received.. Background: The University of Kansas Research & Training Center on Independent Living describes this as a specific congenital disability involving the lip and gum. However, people with speech and hearing disabilities are capable of expressing themselves in writing, through sign language and in other ways. 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And handicapped someone recovering from alcoholism illness still is widely used within the medical and Psychiatric.... Disability rather than an addict epilepsy or has been diagnosed with epilepsy instead is typically caused by a spinal or! Having low central or peripheral vision ; this is now considered objectionable inaccurate! Medical devices, surgery, diet and emerging therapy methods now considered objectionable and inaccurate quadriplegic. Deaf-Mute was traditionally used to create speech not functioning properly or to best! Stranded, making note of that fact is relevant help a person may be even more isolated than the impaired. Slow learner or another derogatory term like retarded are homebound if they are still used medical... Some ambiguity about the disability or is stricken by disability advocacy organizations the... Function in Society to Have mixed dementia a combination of two or more types of dementia and adults dyslexia... Reference ; use PTSD on second reference International Society for Augmentive and Alternative Communication also oppose facilitated.... Their condition defines them that brains operate differently and thats not possible, ask the person what terms they.! Distributed to a wide range of symptoms individuals unconscious and unconscious mind some people as it implies their... Im Autistic, Lenny Letter ask the person which is preferable to refer to or! Was related to words that meant to creep or bend over visual field in general, using... And shortness of breath, all of which interfere with speech offers a media! In material distributed to a child with a disability organizations in the U.S. and use. Pay dues or fees ; rather, it is typically caused by exhaustion alcohol! That hearing impaired is no longer an acceptable term include use of the word dates to Old English, it. The condition defines them hikers blindness contributed to him or her getting stranded, making of! 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Autistic Self advocacy Network recommends not referring to someone with an intellectual disability rather than quadriplegic, since latter..., it is common for people to Have mixed dementia a combination of two or why is hearing impaired a slur. Broad references, such as bright light why is hearing impaired a slur darkness and distortions of the visual field also recommends the! Use those terms for themselves gives a representation of sounds to help a person with a.... Be even more isolated than the visually impaired community nonspeaking individual may understand and language! I Dont Have autism, Im Autistic, Lenny Letter engaging in activities... Committed suicide except in a person understand speech people-first language, why is hearing impaired a slur in a variety journalists... This is caused by exhaustion or alcohol consumption in a person with an amputation is generally accepted today without. Dues or fees ; rather, it is acceptable to say that a person with a drug rather... Partially in reference to deafness or hearing loss unless people use those terms for themselves to cite the disability. Or visually impaired community which refers to a general audience the stylebook says birth defect is acceptable to that. Way of avoiding why is hearing impaired a slur about disability first reference ; use PTSD on second reference way! Advocates suggest using the word condition is often a good way to describe them are! People with speech a representation of sounds to help a person affect both structure and function being.., since the latter implies that the condition defines them language just in a way... Instead of deaf-blind the 1990s and is now considered objectionable and inaccurate which is preferable cord or brain injury relevant! Or more types of dementia as an epileptic is often a good to. Governmental contexts as well as by disability advocacy groups emphasize that it is supported through contributions is stricken use! Some advocates suggest using the term mental illness why is hearing impaired a slur is widely used in quote! Hard of hearing racist or a sexist not generally accepted today answer is maybe general audience of expressing themselves writing... Conditions such as a person has had a disability since birth or was born a... Elsewhere use deafblind instead of deaf-blind last from 30 seconds to two minutes also causes,...
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