Disability Language and Definitions
Accessibility : Accessibility is not just a legalistic checklist of rules . It is also not universal , perfectionistic , or binary . Accessibility provides a variety of participation options that are equally valuable . Accessibility is not a destination , but it is flexibility , love , and a process . Accessibility is an ongoing negotiation and community effort .
Disabled / Disability : There is no one definition of disability . There are many ways to be disabled . Quite often , it is the environment that is disabling due to ableism , including physical , communication , and social barriers .
Identity first language : This document uses identify first language . Identity first language is the preferred choice by many disabled people . This means saying “ I am disabled ” or “ this person is disabled .” Euphemisms , such as “ special needs ” or “ differently abled ” are generally considered inappropriate . If you need to describe someone as disabled , ask the person directly what their language preference is . You can learn more about identity first language from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network .
A woman in a wheelchair pointing upward with her right index finger .
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