In a bid to foster greater understanding and inclusion for persons with disabilities, the United Nations (UN) recently organized a two-day media workshop dedicated to enhancing the portrayal of disability in the media.
The workshop, a collaborative effort between various UN agencies, including the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), aimed to equip media professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and foster a more inclusive narrative.
UNICEF Representative Penelope Campbell highlighted the importance of the training, emphasizing its role in empowering persons with disabilities and promoting appropriate language and terminology in storytelling. “At the end of two days, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and foster a more inclusive narrative,” she stated.
Campbell underscored the vital role of the media in advocating for disability inclusion, emphasizing the need to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities to reshape public perception and create a society that embraces diversity.
“By amplifying the voices of Persons with Disabilities, we can reshape public perception and create a society that embraces diversity in all its forms,” Campbell noted. She urged media professionals to provide a platform for the stories of persons with disabilities to be heard, thereby empowering them and enriching the collective human experience.
The workshop also highlighted the UN’s commitment to ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities. Campbell referenced the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, launched in 2019 by the UN Secretary-General, which aims to raise standards and performance on disability inclusion across the UN’s work.
“In implementing the strategy, we are increasingly ensuring that our premises are disability-friendly to allow access by Persons with Disabilities such as wheelchair users. Further, our recruitment policies encourage Persons with Disabilities to join the UN,” Campbell added.
Overall, the workshop served as a platform for media professionals to deepen their understanding of disability issues, promote inclusive storytelling, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
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