The NDA has published an updated version of its advice paper on disability language and terminology. This work updates original guidance from 2021-2022 and implements an action assigned to the NDA in the Autism Innovation Strategy 2024–2026.
The overall aims of the updated guidance include:
- accommodating the varying preferences of disabled people in a respectful, tolerant and inclusive manner
- offering guidance about best practice in relation to language and terminology where consensus may not exist
- ensuring more consistent use of disability terminology across government in Ireland.
The methodology involved an iterative process of consultation and engagement with relevant stakeholders, principally disabled people, through Disabled Persons Organisations representatives, and other disability advocacy and stakeholder organisations. Additionally, prospective end users of the guidance such as public bodies and government departments were consulted.
Some of the key areas on which updated guidance are offered include:
- person first and identity first language
- terminology to describe autistic people
- the use of reclaimed terms and labels
- special education terminology