Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

www.hrsdc.gc.ca

A Way with Words and Images

Media coverage of people with disabilities

When writing an article or reporting on people with disabilities, ensure that the words you use are factual, objective, and inclusive. Don't hesitate to seek advice from organizations of people with disabilities on how to report on, discuss, and write about disability.

Researching, writing, and reporting

Too often, when a person with a disability is featured in a story that has several possible angles, the humaninterest story line dominates (e.g., how the individual has overcome great odds).

There is less in-depth coverage of issues of particular importance to people with disabilities, such as lack of physical access to facilities, employment, and poverty, and people with disabilities are seldom asked for their views on stories dealing with issues such as transportation, the environment, or child care.

Be particularly careful with terminology in titles or headlines, since they make the first impression.

Interviewing

Before the interview, ask yourself:

  • "Am I reporting on this piece because it involves a person with a disability or because the issue and related circumstances are relevant to the general population?"
  • "If it did not involve a person with a disability, would I still want to write it?"
  • "Is a reference to a disability necessary to the story?"

Follow these suggestions to improve communications with persons with disabilities.

  • It is appropriate to shake hands when introduced to a person with a disability. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb do shake hands.
  • When talking with a person with a disability, speak directly to him or her, rather than through a companion, interpreter, or intervenor who may be there.
  • Relax. Be yourself. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted, common expressions such as "See you later" or "Got to be running along" that seem to relate to the person's disability.
  • Offer assistance to a person with a disability if you feel like it, but wait until your offer is accepted before you help. Listen to any instructions the person may want to give.
  • Be considerate of the extra time it might take for a person with a disability to get things done or said. Let the person set the pace in walking and talking.
  • Avoid putting a person with a disability on a pedestal and using patronizing terms. Interview a person with a disability as you would any other person.
  • In visual treatments (e.g., television and photographs), do not dwell on technical aids or adaptive devices unless, of course, the purpose is to introduce or discuss a particular aid or device.

After the interview, ask yourself: "Have I used the correct terminology (e.g., "uses a wheelchair" and not "confined to a wheelchair")? Is this piece accurate and unbiased? Have I avoided sensationalism?"

Footer

Date Modified:
2010-09-10