Why the language you use and the images you chose matter
Stigma and discrimination can stop people from accessing the much-needed help and support they need.
In conditions like mental illness, for example, stigma can lead people to delay seeking medical attention, putting their health at risk.
That is why when writing content for the UL website, it’s important to avoid using stigmatising language and remember to use people-first Language.
What is people-first Language?
People-first language puts the person first and refers to the person before a disability or disease. Therefore, by using people-first Language, you do not label someone as their disease.
People-first Language also helps to reduce stigma and biases that can be incredibly harmful to individuals living with a disease or disability.
When we use People-First Language, we put the person first and do not label someone as their disability or disease.
To use people-first language, use the person’s name or pronoun first, followed by an appropriate verb and then the name of the disability or condition.
Examples
People living with or affected by obesity not obese or fat people
People living with a mental health condition
People with disabilities, not disabled people
Wheelchair users, not people in wheelchairs
People with AIDS not AIDS victims
Gender-specific suffixes
Avoid the use of gender-specific suffixes such as -ess or -rix
Examples:
Aviator not aviatrix
Nurse not male nurse
Actor not actress
Chair or chairperson, not chairman
Manager not manageress
Comedian not comedienne
Equal opportunities
The University has a comprehensive equal opportunities policy. That means we are all committed to eliminating all forms of unfair discrimination. Take care when describing or addressing different groups of people.
Examples
Deaf people or the deaf community, not the deaf
Elderly people, not the elderly or old people
Lesbians and gay men and the gay community, not lesbians and gays, or gays
Please note the capitalisation in The Irish Traveller community
Images
Just like the words you use, the images you chose can also add to the stigma surrounding an illness or disease.
Therefore, it is important to use non-stigmatising imagery when depicting issues such as mental ill health or obesity/overweight.
There are several free image banks available where you can source non-stigmatising images.
For example, this image bank is available from the European Coalition for People Living with Obesity.