Defining by disability unhelpful

Defining by disability unhelpful

IHC is asking the media to think twice before referring to people by their disability.

Many recent media reports on the death of five-year-old Leon Jayet-Cole have described the boy as autistic.

This description may influence the child’s right to justice and whether it was linked to the death or not is for the courts to determine.

The media reports a man has been charged with murder and this child had the same rights to care and protection as any other in New Zealand.

“We know that disabled children and their families often need skilled support,” says IHC Director of Advocacy Trish Grant. “But we just don’t like children being defined by the disability as if it may have been a factor.”

“We are wondering why this child has been defined in this way. We know these labels can have a lot of influence on public perception,” says Trish.

“Today social media is abuzz with concerns this case could follow previous situations where disability has been used as part of a justification for violence.”

ENDS

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