4.0 Inclusive Language Resources

In general, refer to a disability only if relevant to the story, and if a medical diagnosis has been made or the person uses the term.

The terms disabilities and disabled include a broad range of physical, psychological, developmental and intellectual conditions both visible and invisible.

Both, people with disabilities and "disabled" people are acceptable terms, but try to determine the preference of a person or group. When possible, ask people how they want to be described.

For a further discussion on how to cover disabilities, visit www.apstylebook.com/ap_stylebook/disabilities.

In general, refer to a person’s race or ethnicity only if relevant to the story or if quoted.

African American: Not interchangeable with Black, but acceptable to use for Black Americans of African descent. Americans of Caribbean heritage, for example, generally refer to themselves as Caribbean American.

Black, white: Do not use either term as a singular or plural noun. Instead, use phrasing such as Black people, white people, Black teachers, white students. Black and white are acceptable as adjectives when relevant.

People/students of color: The term is acceptable when necessary in broad references to multiple races other than white.

For a more complete discussion on race-related coverage, visit www.apstylebook.com/ap_stylebook/race-related-coverage (no subscription required).