Key Terminology

Accessibility

Ensuring that persons with disabilities have access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to information and communications, including information and communications technologies and systems, and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas (Convention, art. 9)

(UN Disability Inclusion Strategy)

Barriers

The aspect of society that intentionally or unintentionally exclude persons with disabilities from full participation and inclusion in society. Barries can be physical, informational, legal, institutional, environmental, attitudinal and others.

(World Bank Group: Inclusive education resource guide)

Disability inclusion

The meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all their diversity, the promotion of their rights and the consideration of disability-related perspectives, in compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

(UN Disability Inclusion Strategy)

Discrimination on the basis of disability

Any distinction, exclusion or restriction on the basis of disability which has the purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal basis with others, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. It includes all forms of discrimination, including denial of reasonable accommodation.

(Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, CRPD)

Inclusive education

A process of strengthening the capacity of the education system to ensure equity and inclusion in the forms of educational access, participation, and achievement for all learners.

(World Bank Group: Inclusive education resource guide)

Integration

An approach that places learners deemed to have ”special educational needs” in mainstream education settings with some adaptations and resources, but on the condition that they can fit into pre existing structures, attitudes, and an unaltered environment.

(World Bank Group: Inclusive education resource guide)

Multiple discrimination

Discrimination that occurs on the basis of more than one perceived characteristcs. For instance, a person may be discriminated on the grounds of disability, gender and sexual orientation.

(Council of Europe, COE)

Persons with disabilities

Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, art. 1)
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(UN Disability Inclusion Strategy)