"People with disabilities": A mandatory official term by royal decree in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Commission for the Care of Persons with Disabilities stressed the need for strict adherence to the use of the term “persons with disabilities” as the official and approved designation in all official correspondence, media statements, and advertising content, emphasizing the prohibition of any interpretations or use of different terms that may violate the royal orders and regulations in force in this regard.
This increased scrutiny comes after the Authority's monitoring teams observed the use of numerous inaccurate terms in several private sector advertising campaigns that recently appeared on screens and billboards in public areas and facilities. The use of terms such as "people with special needs" or "the disabled" was noted, terms that are no longer consistent with modern rights-based approaches.
Background of the decision and its legal significance
This directive is based on Royal Decree No. 55528, issued on 1/10/1440 AH, which mandated the exclusive use of the term “persons with disabilities.” This decision represents a qualitative leap in addressing disability issues in the Kingdom, as it enshrines the principle of “Person-First Language,” an international standard that emphasizes the individual before the disability, thus promoting human dignity and shifting the focus from limitations to capabilities. This approach reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which it has ratified, and which calls for respect for their inherent dignity and autonomy.
Local and international impact of the decision
Domestically, standardizing terminology aims to create a shared and respectful language that fosters community awareness and helps remove psychological and social barriers. It also ensures that all governmental and private policies, programs, and initiatives are consistent with the rights-based vision adopted by the state, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , which aims to empower and fully integrate all segments of society. Internationally, this commitment reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading nation in the field of human rights and demonstrates its commitment to implementing global best practices to protect and promote the rights of its citizens with disabilities.
Mandatory procedures for the private sector
To ensure the widest possible implementation of the decision, the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities circulated its directives through the Federation of Saudi Chambers to reach all private sector establishments. The circular was based on the Authority's Chairman's Directive No. 133474, which mandates all entities to review their media and advertising content and ensure its conformity with the approved terminology.
The authority urged advertising companies and institutions to immediately rectify their practices and ensure the accuracy of the terminology used in their promotional campaigns. It emphasized that adhering to the official name not only reflects the organization's legal and social awareness but also protects it from potential legal repercussions for violating higher directives issued in this regard.
