The “UN Disability Inclusive Language Guidelines” in all six official UN languages were launched by the United Nations Office at Geneva to enable UN staff to communicate using disability-inclusive language, which supports the implementation of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy.
The language we use to refer to persons with disabilities has an impact, because it shapes our perception of the world, and can either help remove or creates barriers to full and meaningful participation. With this approach, the guideline provides five general principles, examples of disability-inclusive and person-centered words, as well definitions of as a list of often misunderstood terms on disability. Guidelines in English, Chinese, Russian and French are attached here for ESCAP reference.
ESCAP has been active in disability-inclusion within ESCAP throughout the three consecutive disability-specific regional decade initiatives. ESCAP implement UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and the ESCAP Disability Inclusion Policy, which ultimately support member States’ implementation of disability-inclusive development.
Relevant links
- UN Disability Inclusion Strategy at < https://www.un.org/en/content/disabilitystrategy/>
- ESCAP Disability-inclusive Meetings: Operational Guide at https://www.unescap.org/resources/disability-inclusive-meetings-operational-guide
- ESCAP Disability Inclusion Policy
- Disability Inclusive Language Guidelines