NDA Advice Paper on Disability Language and Terminology

This advice paper 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.

This is a living document which will be updated periodically and we welcome feedback and suggestions on the content within.