On Apple devices around the world the ‘woozy face’ emoji is suggested whenever the word ‘stammering’ is typed. This happens across all Apple models and operating systems, although not every device. The linkage of the woozy face to stammering, which is confined to the Apple platform, occurs in many languages and is seen by hundreds of millions of people across the globe.

Stammering is just how some people talk. Up to 8% of children stammer at some point, and polling by STAMMA, the British Stammering Association, indicates that around 3% of UK adults believe they stammer. Someone who stammers will repeat, prolong or get stuck on sounds, often showing signs of visible tension as they struggle to get the word out.

Treating stammering as a joke is unacceptable and stigmatising. It can lead to bullying and make people ashamed of how they sound, affecting their mental health, careers and relationships.  Stammering isn't caused by nervousness. There is no magic 'cure' and people who stammer are as bright and as capable as anyone else - the President of the USA stammers!

We need acceptance, not a demeaning joke.

Please sign this petition to get Apple to stop associating woozy face and stammering. As a global platform, Apple has a responsibility to lead on diversity and equality, not reinforce stigma and stereotypes.