Media Monitoring Workshop on Intellectual Disabilities Held in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, November 19
A workshop on media monitoring related to intellectual disabilities was organized by the Federation of Parents of Intellectual Disabilities Nepal in Kathmandu. The event highlighted the use of uncivilized language in news articles and publications concerning individuals with intellectual disabilities and called for the adoption of disability-friendly terminology.

Raju Basnet, President of the Federation, emphasized the need for media personnel to adopt disability-sensitive language while covering disability-related issues. He pointed out that existing news coverage often portrays disability as a weakness rather than from a rights-based perspective. "It is essential to sensitize media personnel about this matter," he stressed.

During the workshop, Bishnu Bidari of Kathmandu Lab presented a report titled "News Report on People with Intellectual Disabilities Published in National Level Media from the Perspective of Human Rights and Disability-Friendly Communication Policy." The report revealed:

• 40% of the monitored language was derogatory.

• 60% was written correctly.

• 53% of the content adopted a compassionate tone, while 47% was rights-oriented.

• In terms of topics, 42% of articles focused on education, 2% on employment and rehabilitation, and 21% on sexual violence and public awareness.

Shishir Khanal, President of the Nepal Blind Association, shared his insights, stating, "People with disabilities are equally capable if provided with education and skill development opportunities. They should not be perceived as different solely because of their disabilities." He further urged media professionals to use respectful and civilized language while reporting on disability issues.

Similarly, Bhojraj Shrestha, Chairman of Swavalamban Jeevan Padti Kendra Lalitpur, acknowledged the media's role in supporting achievements in the disability sector. He advocated for consistent awareness-raising programs to enhance media sensitivity toward disability-related topics.

Kiran Shilpakar, outgoing Chairman of the National Physically Disabled Association, highlighted the positive strides in disability rights and emphasized the need to continue educating media personnel on disability communication codes and appropriate terminology.

The workshop concluded with a call to action for more inclusive and sensitive reporting practices, aiming to foster a more respectful portrayal of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the media.