This Recommendation contains a list of currently used terminology to describe accessibility and terms that standard writers need when writing and designing international standards. It is necessary to standardize and define a recognized list of the terms already used and in existing ITU Recommendations and Resolutions, along with those in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Without such a list, there could be confusion not only on the part of standard writers and implementers, but also by the public at large. It is also important to eliminate terminology that is no longer used, offensive, and demeaning to persons with disabilities (PWD) and others.

The terminology in this Recommendation is for use in international work when English is used to refer to telecommunication/ICT accessibility matters. This Recommendation is also applicable to everyday life and all usages, including web design and other writings, as well as ICT, telecommunications, and broadcasting standardization. It should also be mainstreamed into future policy, regulatory, and academic documents as to be consistent with global compatibility and understanding. In the future, work that is yet to be created, written, or approved may have new terms that can be later added as appropriate by consensus in a revision.