Health is not a static, fixed state — it exists on a spectrum, determined by many factors. How disabilities and illnesses are discussed has changed significantly over time, and careful media coverage will take into account that everyone’s experiences and perceptions of those experiences are different, and there is no one “standard” for health.
This section of the Language, Please style guidance aims to provide tools for avoiding common pitfalls and stereotypes when discussing disabilities and illnesses.
This resource was informed by questions and discussions from our own newsrooms. It is a living document that will update and expand over time. It is not meant to be comprehensive or the definitive arbiter of language “rules” but instead aims to give context and inform thoughtful decision-making. Have a suggestion for an update, change, or addition? Please get in touch.
How to use: Browse the whole section or search for the term you need guidance on; click into any term for in-depth context, additional resources, and related terms.
Additional resources:
- ADA National Network: Guidance for Writing About People with Disabilities
- Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health
- Center for Disability Rights: Disability Writing & Journalism Guidelines
- Conscious Style Guide
- Disability Is Natural: People-First Language Articles
- Kaiser Family Foundation HIV/AIDS Reporting Manual
- National Center on Disability and Journalism Disability Language Style Guide
slur
A slur is biased language that is offensive toward a person or group based on identity, such as race or ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or disability, or class. Some words once considered slurs have been reclaimed in certain contexts by the populations they were once used to disparage. Still, given the historically offensive nature of terms such as these, caution is warranted when deciding to repeat them in full, especially outside the context of someone’s self-identification. Keeping repetition to a minimum helps avoid unintentionally desensitizing audiences to the use of such terms. If someone uses a particular term to self-identify, making sure it’s clear that is their stated preference adds necessary context.
social determinants of health
Social determinants of health are five factors that impact an individual’s health and well-being, and contribute to health disparities and inequities. It’s a public health term that includes factors such as economic stability and health care access. Social determinants of health cover many factors that may be referred to as “lifestyle factors” or “lifestyle risks,” such as tobacco use, diet, or exercise. A person does not have control over every single quality that impacts their health; the social determinants of health recognize this in the way that risk factors are organized and labeled “social,” not “individual.”
support animals / service animals / guide dogs
A service animal is trained to perform specific tasks and provide support to a person with a disability. When describing a dog that assists a blind person or person with low vision, the default term should be “guide dog,” as Seeing Eye Dog is a trademarked term. Using language such as “pet” to describe a service animal can minimize the specific utility of the animal’s role in a person’s life.
survivor (illnesses)
“Survivor” is a term used by some people who have had an illness or similar experience. Because of the many connotations and uses of the term, “survivor” may not match every person’s perception of their experience. Following the person’s preferred terminology whenever possible aligns your framing with their lived experience. Language that feels empowering to certain people may not work for everyone.
temporary disabilities
A temporary disability is any disability that is not expected to be permanent or lasting, such as a broken arm due to an injury. A person with a temporary disability may not identify as someone with a disability during that experience but should still be taken into consideration when thinking about accessibility or universal design.
traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury is an injury due to an external force that disrupts brain function. “Brain injury” is clearer and less stigmatizing than “brain damage,” which can imply a deficiency and is not always medically accurate.
universal design
Universal design is the practice of designing environments and products that are most usable to most people, regardless of differences like ability/disability or age. Universal design includes features such as curb cuts in sidewalks or closed captioning on televisions. Websites and other virtual spaces can also be constructed with a universal design perspective, which may influence everything from button or icon size to color contrast and font.
victim / sufferer (disabilities and illnesses)
The term “victim” should be used with caution in the context of people with disabilities. Following the person’s preferred terminology whenever possible aligns your framing with their lived experience.
women and medicine
Due to a variety of reasons, women and feminine-presenting people may face different kinds of discrimination within the health care system. Consideration of the forces that can continue to shape women’s experiences within the health care system is important when writing about a woman’s experience with an illness or disability. For instance, an understanding of the reasons a woman’s diagnosis may be delayed can help avoid language that diminishes or dismisses her symptoms, regardless of whether she has an official diagnosis.
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Language, Please is a living resource and will be updated regularly. Have a question, suggestion, or addition? We’d love to hear from you.
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