Disability and the Media: Prescriptions for Change

Appendix A: Guidelines for Portraying People with Disabilities in the Media

Appendix A Guidelines for Portraying People with Disabilities in the Media Fear of the unknown. Inadequate experience. Incorrect or distorted information . Lack of knowledge. These shape some of the attitudinal barriers that people with disabilities face as they become involved in their communities. People working in the media exert a powerful influence over the way people with disabilities are perceived. It’s important to the 54 million Americans with disabilities that they be portrayed realistically and that their disabilities are explained accurately. Awareness is the first step toward change. Tips for Reporting on People with Disabilities • When referring to individuals with disabilities use “disability,” not “handicapped.” • Emphasize the person, not the disability or condition. Use “people with disabilities” rather than “disabled persons,” and “people with epilepsy” rather than “epileptics.” • Omit mention of an individual’s disability unless it is pertinent to the story. • Depict the typical achiever with a disability, not just the superachiever . • Choose words that are accurate descriptions and have non-judgemental connotations. These guidelines are used by permission. Copyright © 2002, National Center on Disability and Journalism. • People with disabilities live everyday lives and should be portrayed as contributing members of the community. These portrayals should: Depict people with disabilities experiencing the same pain/pleasure that others derive from everyday life, e.g., work, parenting, education , sports and community involvement. Feature a variety of people with disabilities when possible, not just someone easily recognized by the general public. Depict employees/employers with disabilities working together. • Ask people with disabilities to provide correct information and assistance to avoid stereotypes in the media. • Portray people with disabilities as people, with both strengths and weaknesses. Appropriate Words when Portraying People with Disabilities Never Use victim—use: person who has/experienced/with. [the] cripple[d]—use: person with a disability. afflicted by/with—use: person has. invalid—use: a person with a disability. normal—most people, including people with disabilities, think they are. patient—connotes sickness. Use person with a disability. Avoid Using wheelchair bound/confined—use: uses a wheelchair or wheelchair user. homebound employment—use: employed in the home. Use with Care courageous, brave, inspirational and similar words routinely used to describe persons with disabilities. Adapting to a disability does not necessarily mean someone acquires these traits. Interviewing People with Disabilities When interviewing a person with a disability, relax! Conduct your interview as you would with anyone. Be clear and candid in your questioning 220 Appendix A and ask for clarification of terms or issues when necessary. Be upfront about deadlines, the focus of your story, and when and where it will appear. Interviewing Etiquette • Shake hands when introduced to someone with a disability. People with limited hand use or artificial limbs do shake hands. • Speak directly to people with disabilities, not through their companions . • Don’t be embarrassed using such phrases as “See you soon,” “Walk this way” or “Got to run.” These are common expressions, and are unlikely to offend. • If you offer to help, wait until the offer is accepted. • Consider the needs of people with d isabilities when planning events. • Conduct interviews in a manner that emphasizes abilities, achievements and individual qualities. • Don’t emphasize differences by putting people with disabilities on a pedestal. When Interviewing People with Hearing Disabilities • Attract the person’s attention by tapping on his or her shoulder or waving. • If you are interviewing someone with a partial hearing loss, ask where it would be most comfortable for you to sit. • If the person is lip-reading, look directly at him/her and speak slowly and clearly. Do not exaggerate lip movements or shout. Do speak expressively, as facial expressions, gestures and body movements will help him/her understand you. • Position yourself facing the light source and keep hands and food away from your mouth when speaking. When Interviewing People with Vision Disabilities • Always identify yourself and anyone else who might be present. • When offering a handshake, say, “Shall we shake hands?” • When offering seating, place the person’s hand on the back or arm of the seat. • Let the person know if you move or need to end the conversation. Appendix A 221 When Interviewing People with Speech Disabilities • Ask short questions that require short answers when possible. • Do not feign understanding. Try rephrasing your questions, if necessary . When Interviewing People Using a Wheelchair or Crutches • Do not lean on a person’s wheelchair. The chair is a part of...