Judging Criteria

Journalistic quality: Displays creativity and originality while fostering public understanding of people with a disability; use of person-first, non-offensive and affirmative language; maintains high journalistic and technical standards.

Understanding of people with disabilities: Demonstrates the accomplishments and contributions of people with a disability; recognizes the needs and preferences of people with a disability; positively portrays people with a disability as valued citizens living normal and productive lives; having choices; participating in relationships; being involved in integrated settings; in age-appropriate activities; and having opportunities to develop and grow.

Depth and continuity of coverage: Choice of topics covers the full spectrum of issues related to people with a disability; demonstrates consistent and accurate reporting that raises public awareness of those issues.

People-first Language: Uses language that identifies the person as having a disability rather than being labelled by the disability, for example, the boy with autism rather than the autistic boy.