Welcome back as we continue our dive into AP Style changes! These come from a recent PRSA webinar from AP Stylebook’s Product Manager, Colleen Newvine. The primary focus is the importance of DEI communications including physical and intellectual disabilities.

Part II of our series: AP style changes covering language surrounding disabilities.

As we said last time, always ask your subject how they would like to be represented. If it’s not possible, it’s typically best to put the person before their identifier.

• Disabilities include a large range of physical and mental conditions that can be visible and invisible.

• Follow the individual’s preference!

• Avoid writing that establishes ableism as a superior way of living.

• Do not mention someone’s disability unless it is clearly pertinent to the story.

  • “For example, Merritt, who is blind and walks with the help of a guide dog, said she is pleased with the city’s walkway improvements. But not: Zhang, who has paraplegia, is a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies.”

• Some people prefer identity-first language such as “paraplegic man” or “a paraplegic” while others prefer person-first language such as “a man with paraplegia.”

  • Ask the specific person’s preference!

  • When describing groups of people, or when individual preferences can’t be determined, use person-first language.

• Avoid disability-related words in unrelated situations.

  • Don’t refer to an idea as “psychotic” or say “turn a blind eye”, etc.

• Avoid language that has a patronizing or pitying tone such as “suffering from…” or “battling…”, and cliches like “inspiring”.

• Avoid mass terms with dehumanizing connotations such as “the disabled”, “the blind”, etc.

Staying open to education on these topics will make you far more likely to successfully connect with your audience — and avoid any gaffes.

Madeline Howard

Communications Coordinator, C3 Collective

madeline@C3-collective.com