Disability Terminology: Handbook Launched For Correct Usage

The Disability Terminology Handbook was launched along with a ceremony in Yangon on 24th October.  

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement gave direction to distribute this handbook.

Under the guidance of Myanmar Federation of Persons With Disabilities together with Myanmar Deaf Community Development Association, Disabilities Organizations, Disabilities schools, the organizations and individuals who are conducting the issues of PWDs, the handbook came to appear.

Also, USAID and FHI 360 supported necessary assistances during the work process of the handbook. 

Program Advisor, Myanmar Deaf Community Development Association, Salai David said “The main objective of the launching of this Handbook is to raise more awareness on the terminology for PWDs through media, to preserve and improve the reputation of PWDs by using the terminology in this handbook. Through these awareness, all the public will know the terminology for PWDs properly and also the Governmental Organizations, NGOs and INGOs and the Entertainment and Media Organizations will follow these terminology.”

The forewords from Vice President U Henry Van Thio, the guidelines from Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr. Win Myat Aye and the words of thanks from the acting Vice Chairman of Myanmar Federation of Persons With Disabilities and the awareness guidelines of disability terminologies are described in this handbook,

General Secretary, Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities, Myat Thu Win said “In Myanmar, the issues on PWDs and the rights of PWDs has considered important matters after the year 2,000. The rights movement and development of PWDs also started. But the terminology for PWDs can't use correctly. It's also important when we use these terminologies for PWDs. This is the first Disability Terminology Handbook and it's good news for PWDs and proud for the PWDs in Myanmar. It will have many benefits.”

Director, Department of Rehabilitation, Swan Yi Ya said “We have many plans for PWDs in coming years. As the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement mentioned in his opening speech, this handbook will distribute to other Regions and States. It will also translated into ethnic languages and will distribute them.”

The process for publishing of the Disability Terminology Handbook took about14 months, it's learnt.