JOURNALISTS have been urged to avoid using offensive terminology when reporting on persons with disabilities.
Speaking at a media training workshop, Deaf Women Included Zimbabwe executive director Agnes Chindimba said using language that was not disability friendly reinforces stereotypes and negative attitudes towards people with disabilities.
“The language we use is important because it may reinforce negative stereotypes and can be hurtful to persons with disabilities,” Chindimba said.
“It is crucial that we adopt terminology that celebrates diversity and promotes the human rights model of disability.”
She advised against the use of derogatory terms like “deaf and dumb” and instead suggested terms such as “deaf person” or “person who is deaf”.
Chindimba urged journalists against using condescending euphemisms such as “differently abled” or “people of determination”, which she said could be considered patronising.
She said disability should not be viewed as a charity issue or an illness, added that persons with disabilities should be recognised as right holders and not objects of pity.
“Persons with disabilities are the same as everyone else in terms of talents and abilities,” Chindimba said.
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“We must avoid labelling and stereotyping and instead use positive and empowering language that promotes inclusion and respect.”
