Catherine Masocha
Gweru journalists have been sensitized on disability friendly terminology by a Harare based organisation Deaf Women Included (DWI).
Speaking during the training in Gweru recently, DWI executive director Agness Chindimba noted how media houses lacked know-how on reporting stories of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and pointed out that “Lack of knowledge on disability issues” remains a challenge to inclusive newsrooms.
Chindimba stressed the need for journalists to raise awareness and combat stigma and prejudice surrounding people with disabilities.
She said reporters should, “Adress negative attitudes and misconceptions that cause stigma and discrimination towards persons with disabilities.”
She also challenged the media to give PWDs a chance to tell their stories aimed at enhancing inclusivity.
“Establishing strong partnerships with individuals with disabilities and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) can help in getting to know more about disabilities,” she said.
Chindimba challenged journalists to use the correct terminology when reporting on disability issues.
“Words such as midget, albino and mudowns should be avoided and instead make use of : person of short stature, person with albinism and person with down syndrome.”
During the sensitization which also provided tips for journalists on how they should interview PWDs, Chindimba bemoaned how most employers in the country are failing to hire people with disabilities.
“I feel it is important to employ people with disabilities as long as they have the qualifications.”
Agness Chindimba also highlighted the need to look into the gaps that exist in the National Disability Policy that was launched in 2021 during the question-and-answer segment with the journalists.
“The Disability Policy like any other policy has gaps which need to be addressed. But this policy needs to be backed by the Disability Bill, so for now we are pushing for the Bill.”
The training encouraged journalists to give in an in-depth thoughtful attention to disability issues to counter stigma and change perceptions in their reporting.
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