The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA, we, or us) respects the diversity of people with disability.
We acknowledge the impact of language on diverse communities and that language continues to change over time.
We understand language, words and acronyms may have different meaning for different people, cultures or communities and can impact how people feel, speak, talk, write, and communicate.
We know it is important for us to support inclusive language as best as we can to support people with disability.
We will use language that is culturally appropriate and respectful of the diversity of the communities we serve.
We will follow the Australian Government Style Manual's guidance on inclusive language and use language that is respectful:
- of disability and neurodiversity
- of age and only refers to age if it is needed
- of cultural and linguistic diversity
- of people’s gender and conveys gender equality
- of people’s sexual identity
- and culturally appropriate when writing with, for or about First Nations people.
We know that words we have used in the past may not be up-to-date or reflect what people, cultures or communities always use.
This does not reflect what we know about language, identities and experiences now.
We will listen, learn and collaborate with people with disability, their families and supporters to make sure the language we use is right.