The Associated Press Stylebook provides the following guidance on writing about disability:
- Use people-first language: “people with disabilities” rather than “disabled people” or “the disabled.” Avoid equating people with their conditions.
- Avoid words with negative connotations like “victims,” “sufferers,” “afflicted,” or “impaired.” Use neutral terms like “has a disability.”
- Don’t describe disabilities as curses, diseases, or afflictions. Portray them matter-of-factly as neutral conditions.
- Don’t sensationalize or imply pity. Avoid emotional euphemisms like “confined to a wheelchair.” Use accurate terms like “uses a wheelchair.”
- Don’t define people by limitations. Say “people without housing” rather than “the homeless.”
- Respect people’s preferences in describing their own disabilities.
- Provide details on disabilities only if relevant to the story. Avoid gratuitous references.
- Use “accessible” for features like parking, bathrooms etc. Don’t use “handicapped” or “disabled.”
- Capitalize Deaf when referring to those within Deaf culture who identify as a linguistic and cultural group.
- Don’t use “special needs” as a general euphemism for developmental or intellectual disabilities. Be more specific when relevant.
Overall, the AP Stylebook emphasizes neutral, accurate, sensitive terminology that respects disabled individuals’ preferences in how their disabilities are described. The guidance aims to avoid stereotypes and stigma.
- Use “service dog” or “service animal” to refer to dogs or other animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Avoid describing them as “seeing eye dogs”, “guide dogs”, or other types of disability-specific service animals unless it is clearly relevant.
- Do not use “service dog” for an emotional support animal. Emotional support animals provide comfort but are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability.
- The terms “therapy animal” or “emotional support animal” can be used for animals that provide emotional support or comfort but are not service animals under the ADA definition. Be specific about their role.
- Avoid using “pet” for a service or emotional support animal as it implies the animal is optional or just for companionship.
- Service animals are allowed in public places under ADA rules. Emotional support animals may not have the same access rights under federal law, so check local laws.
- When writing about service or emotional support animals, focus on the person first, then explain the role of the animal briefly. Don’t make the animal the primary focus unless it is strongly relevant to the story.
So in summary, be clear about the terminology and the animal’s specific role when writing about service dogs versus emotional support animals.
- “Ableism” generally refers to discrimination in favor of able-bodied people. The AP Stylebook recommends avoiding broad terms like “discrimination” and instead being specific about the form of discrimination. For example, “barriers that prevent wheelchair users from accessing a building” rather than “ableism prevented wheelchair users…”
- “Disablism” is a similar term referring more specifically to discrimination against disabled people. Again, be concrete in describing the discriminatory policies or behaviors rather than using the broad term.
- Avoid phrases like “the disabled” or “disabled people.” Use wording like “people with disabilities” that puts the person first.
- Do not use words like “normal” to imply people with disabilities are abnormal. Terms like “able-bodied” or “non-disabled” are more appropriate contrasts.
- Do not refer to people with disabilities as “victims” or speak in terms of “suffering from” a disability. Use neutral, non-judgmental language.
- Consult with advocates for people with disabilities to use currently accepted, non-offensive terminology. Language evolves over time.
- Describe disabilities directly and clinically, but only when clearly relevant. Focus on the person, not just their disability.
The AP Stylebook emphasizes inclusion, specificity, and putting the person before the disability when writing about these topics. Focusing on actions rather than broad labels can help avoid ableist language.
- Use precise phrases like “alleged disability fraud” or “suspected of defrauding disability benefits” when referring to cases that have not been proven or ruled on yet. Avoid making assumptions of guilt.
- Provide appropriate context and data if referring to the frequency of disability fraud. Note estimates of how rare confirmed cases are compared to total beneficiaries.
- Seek input from sources with expertise on the range of disabilities and obstacles to getting approved for disability benefits. Capture perspectives on how strict policies could impact those who genuinely need assistance.
- Avoid language that suggests people receiving disability benefits are “faking” or “gaming the system” as that implies widespread fraud without evidence.
- Use neutral terms like “benefits recipients” rather than loaded words like “scammers.”
- Explain the verification and evaluation processes people go through to qualify for disability benefits.
- Include viewpoints from advocates for disability rights and benefits programs.
- Focus stories first on how policies and procedures could be improved rather than assuming the problem is solely fraudulent individuals.
The AP aims for balanced, well-sourced coverage on controversial issues like this. The emphasis should be on facts, diverse expert voices, and thoughtful analysis over assumptions or stereotypes.
- Use person-first language like “people with disabilities” rather than defining people solely by their disability. However, some advocates prefer identity-first phrases like “disabled people” – let sources guide word choice.
- Explain the purpose of disability pride as promoting equality, rights, dignity, and respect for people with disabilities. Avoid portraying it as a novelty.
- Seek quotes and perspectives from advocates with diverse disabilities and backgrounds. Don’t let any one voice dominate.
- Use neutral, non-judgmental language to describe disability pride events and activities. Avoid words with patronizing connotations.
- Focus on participants’ messaging about rights, independence, self-worth, and inclusion rather than just describing disabilities.
- Provide context such as statistics on discrimination faced by those with disabilities. Explain linkage of disability pride to other social justice movements.
- Images should emphasize participation, not just visible disabilities. Get consent and avoid close-ups that seem voyeuristic.
- If contrasting views, give equal weight and avoid harsh rhetoric on either side. Use specific examples and data.
The AP aims for fairness, accuracy and inclusion when reporting on all marginalized communities. The goal should be to educate readers on disability pride and the greater issues facing this group.
