Disability Resources
Mindful Language for an Inclusive World:
A Disability Glossary
We recognize that language is ever-evolving and word choice varies from person to person. But since language has historically been used to degrade and demean marginalized groups, it helps to have a working understanding of commonly used terms that respect and reflect the lived experiences of folks in the disability community.
“An interaction between an individual’s personal condition (such as being in a wheelchair or having a visual impairment) and environmental factors (such as negative attitudes or inaccessible buildings) which together lead to disability and affect an individual’s participation in society. (United Nations, n.d.)
The United Nations definition embraces a "social model" of disability, highlighting the interaction between condition AND environment, as opposed to the "medical model" which focuses on the condition only.
Accessibility "enables a person with a disability to be afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use."
(Section 508, 1998)
Accessibility can refer to physical environments, online spaces, products, services, resources, learning materials, and more.
A design perspective focused on “design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.” (National Disability Authority, 2022)
The goal of UD is to increase equity and access for all people regardless of ability.
A “framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insight into how people learn.” (Center for Applied Special Technology, CAST, n.d.)
When Universal Design philosophy is applied to the learning environment, it expands to include designing content, lesson objectives, and lesson material as well as environmental factors to increase access.
Modifications or adjustments to the tasks, environment or to the way things are usually done that enable individuals with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to participate." (U.S. Department of Education, 2007)
Employers and educators, for example, must legally provide reasonable accommodations for workers and students with disabilities.
“Any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a persons with disability.” (Assistive Technology Industry Association, 2022)
Some examples of assistive technology include prosthetics, screen readers, wheelchairs, specialized computers, walkers, canes, lifts, hearing aids, and much more.
“A physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movement, senses, or activities.” (Invisible Disabilities Association)
Non-Apparent disabilities are sometimes called “invisible” or “hidden.” In contrast, apparent (or visible) disabilities are physical, mental or neurological conditions that are observed, or assumed by observation. Often apparent disabilities are assumed when assistive technology is utilized, such as a wheelchair, hearing aide, cane, etc.
Neurodiversity ”refers to the virtually infinite neuro-cognitive variability within Earth’s human population. It points to the fact that every human has a unique nervous system with a unique combination of abilities and needs.” (Neurodiversity Hub, n.d.)
People with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or other neurological conditions may identify as "neurodivergent." This term highlights their unique experiences, needs, and abilities, which differ from the "neurotypical" majority.
Person first language puts the person before the disability, and describes what a person has, not who a person is. PFL uses phrases such as “person with a disability” and “individuals with disabilities” as opposed to phrases that identify people based solely on their disability, such as “the disabled.” (Office for Disability Rights, n.d.)
Advocates of person-first language emphasize recognize the individual before the disorder, suggesting it doesn’t define them.
Identity first language emphasizes that the disability plays a role in who the person is and reinforces disability as a positive cultural identifier. (AUCD, n.d.)
Those who prefer identity-first language advocate that this approach is empowering. Identity first language is generally preferred by self-advocates in the autistic, deaf, and blind communities. If you are unsure about preferred language, the best approach is to ask!
“The discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior.” (Access Living, 2019)
Ableism takes many forms, including:
physical, mental, verbal, or emotional abuse
designing spaces/events without accessibility or ADA compliance
segregating or excluding people with disabilities
discrimination in schools, workplaces, etc.
An inclination, feeling, or opinion, especially one that is preconceived or unreasoned. Biases are unreasonably negative feelings, preferences, or opinions about a social group and are grounded in stereotypes and prejudices. (Bias, n.d.)
"Unearned access to resources (social power) that are only readily available to some people because of their social group membership; an advantage, or immunity granted to or enjoyed by one societal group above and beyond the common advantage of all other groups. Privilege is often invisible to those who have it.” (NCCJ, n.d.)
The unequal treatment of members of various groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, national origin, age, physical/mental abilities and other categories that may result in disadvantages and differences in provision of goods, services or opportunities. (Department of Epidemiology, 2017)
The process by which minority groups are excluded, ignored, or relegated to the outer edge of a community. It is a tactic used to devalue those that vary from the norm of the mainstream, sometimes to the point denigrating them as deviant and regressive. Marginalized (groups) have restricted access to resources like education and healthcare for achieving their aims. (Department of Epidemiology, 2017)
People with disabilities face marginalization due to the persistent bias and discrimination linked to their disabilities, limiting their access to essential resources.
"A framework for liberation that seeks to end ableism in connection with ending all other forms of oppression." (Abolition and Disability Justice, n.d.)
Disability Justice calls for centering the voices and leadership of those most impacted by ableism, acknowledging the interconnected struggles of marginalized communities and striving for an inclusive movement that leaves no one behind.
Personal autonomy includes "an individual’s right to develop their personality, to express hopes and dreams, and make choices and not be unreasonably limited. It means choosing whether or not to act in a certain way or have certain experiences. A person has a right to determine their own life and make their own decisions, even when those decisions are not ones others would make.” (Disability Rights CA, 2017)
The personal autonomy of people with disabilities is often undermined by ableist practices like infantilization by non-disabled individuals.
Intersectionality reflects the insight that race, class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, nation, ability, and age operate in context to one another, and that the marginalizing impact upon those who hold multiple identities must be considered through that lens. (Crenshaw, 1991)
A person in a dominant position of power actively working in solidarity with individuals that do not hold that same power or they do not share a social identity with to end oppressive systems and practices. (Patel, 2011)
A person who is willing to put something on the line to use their privilege to disband systems of oppression. In contrast to allyship, co-conspirators do not just educate themselves about systemic injustice and racism, but like modern-day activists, they take personal risks to pursue meaningful action. (Stoltzfus, 2019)
Thank you for growing with us!