Ncdj Terminology Quiz
Take this quiz to find out the right - and wrong - ways to write and talk about disability issues.
- 1.
What constitutes a "developmental disability"?
- A.
A disability that develops slowly over time.
- B.
A disability one is born with.
- C.
A mental and/or physical impairment that manifests before age 22 and limits functionality in areas such as learning, language and mobility.
- D.
A mental impairment that affects a person’s day-to-day life.
- E.
A physical impairment that affects a person's day-to-day life.
Correct Answer
C. A mental and/or physical impairment that manifests before age 22 and limits functionality in areas such as learning, language and mobility.Explanation
Correct answer: C. Mental and/or physical disabilities that manifest before age 22 and result in functional limitations in at least three of the following areas of life activity: self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.Rate this question:
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- 2.
When describing an individual in a story, when is it appropriate to reference a disability?
- A.
Don't reference a disability unless it is clearly pertinent to the story.
- B.
It’s appropriate to mention a disability in a story only if the individual you are writing about brings it up.
- C.
It’s never appropriate to reference a disability.
- D.
Only reference a disability if it is clearly pertinent to the story and then refer to the person first and the disability second.
- E.
Only reference a disability when the subject of your story agrees that it is OK.
Correct Answer
D. Only reference a disability if it is clearly pertinent to the story and then refer to the person first and the disability second.Explanation
Correct answer: D. When describing an individual, do not reference his or her disability unless it is clearly pertinent to a story. If it is pertinent, it is best to use language that refers to the person first and the disability second. For example: "The writer, who has a disability" as opposed to "The disabled writer."Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is the appropriate way to describe a person who has a disability such as muscular dystrophy?
- A.
“He battles muscular dystrophy.”
- B.
“He is afflicted with muscular dystrophy.”
- C.
“He is stricken with muscular dystrophy.”
- D.
“He has muscular dystrophy.”
- E.
“He suffers from muscular dystrophy.”
Correct Answer
D. “He has muscular dystrophy.”Explanation
Correct answer: D. It is preferable to use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability, simply stating the facts about the nature of the disability. For example: "He has muscular dystrophy."Rate this question:
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- 4.
When is it appropriate to use the words handicap or handicapped in a story?
- A.
Ask the person you are interviewing what he or she prefers.
- B.
Never use the words handicap or handicapped in a story.
- C.
These terms are appropriate in most uses.
- D.
Use these terms only when applied to a person.
- E.
Use these terms when describing a place or thing (handicapped parking), but not when describing a person (handicapped person).
Correct Answer
E. Use these terms when describing a place or thing (handicapped parking), but not when describing a person (handicapped person).Explanation
Correct answer: E. Such terms should be avoided in describing a person but are appropriate when citing laws, regulations, places or things, such as "handicapped parking."Rate this question:
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- 5.
Is it accurate to say that people who are comatose are in a "vegetative state"?
- A.
It’s better to use precise medical terminology when possible or a more general phrase, such as “non-responsive.”
- B.
Yes, and it’s also appropriate to refer to the person as a “vegetable.”
- C.
Use the phrase only if the doctor uses it.
- D.
Use the phrase only if the patient’s family uses it.
- E.
Never use this phrase.
Correct Answer
A. It’s better to use precise medical terminology when possible or a more general phrase, such as “non-responsive.”Explanation
Correct answer: A. The term is technically inaccurate when used to describe people without physical, sensory or cognitive functioning. It is preferable to use precise medical terminology or, if that is not possible, general terms such as "comatose" or "non-responsive."Rate this question:
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- 6.
What does it mean when a person is said to have a "congenital disability"?
- A.
The disability developed after birth.
- B.
The disability is undiagnosed.
- C.
The person has a disability but doesn’t realize it.
- D.
The person has difficulty with cognitive reasoning.
- E.
The person has had the disability since birth.
Correct Answer
E. The person has had the disability since birth.Explanation
Correct answer: E. A person who has a congenital disability has had a disability since birth.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following sentences correctly refers to the genetic, chromosomal disorder named after Dr. J. Langdon Down?
- A.
“He has Down disease.”
- B.
“He has Down syndrome.”
- C.
“He has Down’s.”
- D.
“He is a Down Syndrome child.”
- E.
“He is a Down’s child.”
Correct Answer
B. “He has Down syndrome.”Explanation
Correct answer: B. Down syndrome is a genetic, chromosomal disorder first reported in 1866 by Dr. J. Langdon Down. The correct reference is that a person has Down syndrome.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which is the preferred term: Dwarf, little person, midget or someone of short stature?
- A.
Dwarf
- B.
Little Person
- C.
Midget
- D.
Someone of short stature
- E.
It depends. Ask your subject what he or she prefers.
Correct Answer
E. It depends. Ask your subject what he or she prefers.Explanation
Correct answer: E. It depends. It's best to ask the person referenced in the story which term is appropriate. Little person/short in stature are usually the best terms.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the best way to describe someone who uses a wheelchair?
- A.
Confined to a wheelchair
- B.
Forced to rely on a wheelchair
- C.
Handicapped
- D.
Person who uses a wheelchair or wheelchair user
- E.
Wheelchair bound
Correct Answer
D. Person who uses a wheelchair or wheelchair userExplanation
Correct answer: D. A wheelchair can be a source of freedom and independence so terms that imply judgments or conclusions ("wheelchair bound," "confined to a wheelchair," etc.) can be offensive. It is preferable to use "person who uses a wheelchair" or "wheelchair user.”Rate this question:
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- 10.
Is it appropriate to describe an individual as being blind?
- A.
It’s usually better to say “visually impaired” but ask the individual what he or she prefers.
- B.
Never call someone blind because it has negative connotations.
- C.
The term is appropriate if it’s used by a medical doctor.
- D.
The term is never appropriate.
- E.
You may describe anyone with limited sight as being blind.
Correct Answer
A. It’s usually better to say “visually impaired” but ask the individual what he or she prefers.Explanation
Correct answer: A. The word "blind" refers to people with complete loss of sight. Many people have some vision, which they sometimes use in combination with canes, dogs and other low-vision aides. Moreover, the term "blind" can be used in a negative way to imply ignorance or stupidity. It's best to ask the person what term he or she would prefer.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Feb 04, 2013Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 29, 2011Quiz Created by
NCDJ_AJ
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