Within society, people’s attitudes towards race, gender, sexuality and disability are changing to some extent. Certain words and images used by the media to talk about women, for example, are no longer tolerated because our attitudes are changing. However, it is very difficult to prove which comes first. Does the change in attitudes lead to the use of different language and imagery or does change in the use of language and imagery lead to a change in attitudes? Has this change really occurred as far as talking about disabled people is concerned?

Many of the words that are used to describe disabled people still imply that there is something “wrong” with them, rather than the fact that society very often does not cater for people whose needs do not fit what we consider as the “norm”. Undoubtedly, disabled people are people first and foremost, with full human and civil rights. They are therefore entitled to dignity and respect and this should be reflected in the language we use to talk about and describe disability and the community.

The long-term effect of negative language is that disabled people frequently perceive themselves, and are perceived by others, to have very limited potential or to have no contribution to make to society and the community they live in. Therefore, choice of words can make a difference when communicating about, and with, disabled people.

In terms of imagery in the media, for example, one picture may trigger words such as “sad”, “pathetic” and “helpless” while another implies words like “active”, “empowered” and “lively”. “Negative” images are quite common in the media and are accepted without considering the consequences for disabled people. Therefore it is important to stimulate questions about the images seen and to raise awareness of how we as the audience can be influenced by them. Not only are negative images destructive, they are also inaccurate. Most disabled people, like the rest of society, can and do lead fulfilling lives.

Disabled people define disability in terms of what is known as “the social model” and within this definition, language is crucial. An understanding of the social model will lead to greater understanding of language to use when writing and talking about disabled people.

The social model of disability puts forward the concept that it is society’s physical, sensory, attitudinal, legal and behavioural barriers that make people disabled, not particular medical conditions or impairments.

This model concentrates on how society excludes the individual by failing to create a culture that insists on full accessibility to services, communication, information, buildings and transport for all. It describes disability as the problems caused by these barriers, rather than the individual’s physical or mental impairment.

According to this social model, any person with a disability is seen as a person having the same desires, needs, and aspirations as any person without a disability. Equality for disabled people is often seen as similar to the struggle for equality in other socially-marginalised groups. For disabled people, equal rights will give them the ability to make their own decisions and the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. It is this model that has been widely adopted by organisations of persons with disability across the world.

Therefore, the first important rule is to refer to the person first and foremost. Phrases such as “the disabled” or “wheelchair-bound” deny the person of their individuality and dignity. We should talk about a disabled person and a person who uses a wheelchair.

To help guide broadcasters and journalists here in Malta, the Broadcasting Authority issued a Code of Practice on Disability and its Portrayal in the Broadcasting Media in December 2002. One of the aspects the code focuses on is the misrepresentation of disabled people who are many times depicted in extreme terms. One such approach is the “hero” or “victim” attitude. Victims are portrayed as being tragic, helpless and pathetic while heroes are portrayed as ceaselessly cheerful, immensely courageous and superhumanly good. The code also highlights broadcasters’ responsibilities to ensure a more inclusive representation of disabled persons in programming and to refer to competent organisations and authorities, such as the National Commission Persons with Disability, on matters relating to disability.

The following are some general guidelines one may find useful to make better choices when talking about and referring to disabled people:

• Avoid focusing on impairments/conditions unless it is crucial. Focus on the issues or barriers which affect the quality of life of disabled people such as accessible transport, housing, educational, and employment opportunities.

• Avoid portraying successful disabled people as superhuman as this raises the false expectation that all disabled people should achieve this level.

• Avoid sensationalising a disabled person by using negative phrases like “afflicted with”, “suffers from” or “victim of”. Use phrases such as a “person who has arthritis”.

• Avoid generic labels for groups of disabled people but try to emphasise the person, not the impairment: “person who is deaf” and “disabled person”.

• Avoid emotional descriptions such as “mental”, “handicapped”, “less fortunate” or “angels”. These are considered as offensive by most disabled persons and their allies.

• Avoid euphemisms to describe disabled people. Phrases such as “mentally deficient”, “physically incapacitated” or “visually challenged” are considered to be condescending by disabled people.

• Avoid silly, nonsensical phrases such as “disabled parking”, “disabled toilets” or “disabled housing” but use instead “parking for disabled people” and so on.

Given the importance of the media in influencing attitudes, it is crucial for disabled people to be fairly and realistically represented. The language used in the media to talk about disabled people and their families has to reflect the dignity and respect they deserve. This does not simply mean making sure that disabled people are portrayed in a positive manner. It also means ensuring that they are included in programmes, adverts and marketing material to acknowledge that disabled people lead positive and fulfilling lives.

The article was provided by the National Commission Persons with Disability (KNPD – Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b’Dizabilità)