Demystifying Disability

1. Disability is a Natural Part of the Human Experience

Disability: a state of being; a natural part of the human experience.

Defining Disability. Disability is not merely a medical condition or an impairment, but a fundamental aspect of human diversity. It encompasses a wide range of physical, mental, cognitive, and developmental differences. Definitions vary, from legal and medical perspectives focusing on limitations, to personal perspectives emphasizing identity and lived experience.

Diverse Perspectives. Many disabled individuals view their disability as a social identity, a source of pride, and a connection to a vibrant community. Others may see it primarily as a functional limitation or a medical challenge. The meaning of disability is deeply personal and evolves over time.

Challenging Stigma. By recognizing disability as a natural part of life, we can challenge the stigma and misconceptions that often surround it. This shift in perspective promotes inclusion, acceptance, and a more equitable society for all.

2. Language Shapes Perception: Choose Words Carefully

The choices that we, as disabled people, make about how to describe and define ourselves are deeply personal, and each of us has our own preferences.

Person-First vs. Identity-First. There are two primary approaches to language about disability: person-first language (PFL), which emphasizes the person before the disability (e.g., "person with a disability"), and identity-first language (IFL), which places the disability first (e.g., "disabled person"). Both are valid, and individual preferences vary.

Respecting Preferences. It is crucial to respect individual preferences regarding language. Some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities prefer PFL, rooted in the People First movement. Many Autistic individuals prefer IFL, viewing Autism as an integral part of their identity.

Avoiding Euphemisms and Slurs. Avoid using outdated or euphemistic terms like "handicapped" or "special needs," as they can be patronizing or inaccurate. Refrain from using disability-related slurs like "retarded" or "midget," which are deeply hurtful. Instead, use respectful and accurate language, and when possible, ask individuals for their preferred terminology.

3. Intersectionality: Disability Intersects with Other Identities

Disability must be considered within an intersectional framework because it cuts across political, social, and cultural narratives and identities.

Overlapping Identities. Disability intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and socioeconomic status. These intersections create unique experiences of both privilege and marginalization.

Privilege and Bias. Acknowledging intersectionality requires recognizing that disabled people are not exempt from experiencing privilege or bias. A white disabled person, for example, may experience privilege that disabled people of color do not.

Centering Marginalized Voices. It is essential to center the lived experiences of marginalized disabled people, whose voices are often excluded from broader conversations about disability rights. This includes actively listening to and amplifying the perspectives of disabled people of color, LGBTQ+ disabled people, and other underrepresented groups.

4. Ableism: Recognize and Challenge Discrimination

Ableism is attitudes, actions, and circumstances that devalue people because they are disabled or perceived as having a disability.

Defining Ableism. Ableism is discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities, encompassing attitudes, actions, and systemic barriers that devalue and marginalize disabled individuals. It is deeply ingrained in society and often goes unnoticed.

Manifestations of Ableism. Ableism can manifest in various forms, including:

• Physical inaccessibility (e.g., lack of ramps, elevators)
• Discriminatory laws and policies (e.g., subminimum wage for disabled workers)
• Stereotypes and microaggressions (e.g., assuming disabled people are incapable or tragic)
• Exclusion from social and professional opportunities

Challenging Ableism. Combating ableism requires active awareness, education, and advocacy. This includes challenging ableist language, promoting accessibility, and advocating for policies that protect the rights and dignity of disabled people.

5. Accessibility: More Than Just Ramps

If the disability community wants a world that’s accessible to us, then we must make ideas and experiences of disability accessible to the world.

Defining Accessibility. Accessibility is the degree to which a product, device, service, or environment is available to as many people as possible. It is about removing barriers and ensuring that disabled people have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of life.

Types of Accessibility. Accessibility encompasses various forms, including:

• Physical accessibility (e.g., ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms)
• Digital accessibility (e.g., websites, apps, documents that are usable by people with disabilities)
• Communication accessibility (e.g., sign language interpreters, captions, plain language)
• Programmatic accessibility (e.g., inclusive policies, flexible work arrangements)

The Curb-Cut Effect. Accessibility benefits everyone, not just disabled people. The "curb-cut effect" illustrates how features designed for disabled people, such as curb cuts, also benefit parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and many others.

6. Disability Etiquette: Respect and Consideration

Overthinking is one enemy of disability etiquette, but so is making assumptions about what a person wants and needs.

Treating People with Respect. Disability etiquette is about treating disabled people with the same respect and consideration you would give anyone else. It involves avoiding assumptions, respecting personal space, and communicating directly.

Do's and Don'ts. Key etiquette guidelines include:

• Asking before offering help
• Using respectful language
• Avoiding intrusive questions
• Respecting personal boundaries
• Communicating directly with the disabled person, not their companion

Curious Kids. When children express curiosity about disability, respond honestly and respectfully, using it as an opportunity to educate and promote understanding. Avoid shushing or scolding children, as this can reinforce stigma.

7. Media's Impact: Authentic Representation Matters

Indeed, the history of disabled people in the Western world is in part the history of being on display, of being visually conspicuous while being politically and socially erased.

Stereotypes and Misconceptions. Media portrayals of disability often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, such as the "tragic victim," the "supercrip," or the "inspiration porn" narrative. These representations can reinforce stigma and limit opportunities for disabled people.

Authentic Representation. Authentic representation involves portraying disabled characters as complex, multidimensional individuals with their own stories, desires, and agency. It also means casting disabled actors in disabled roles and consulting with disabled people on disability-related content.

Challenging Harmful Tropes. Be critical of media portrayals of disability and challenge harmful tropes. Support media that promotes positive, authentic representation and amplifies the voices of disabled people.

8. Allyship & Accompliceship: Meaningful Action for Change

To be an ally is to help people who are marginalized in some capacity to make the most of their life in this unchanged system...to be an accomplice...is to work side by side with people who are marginalized, to confront the system and contribute to shifting it accordingly.

Beyond Allyship. While allyship is important, it is not enough. Accompliceship involves actively working alongside disabled people to dismantle ableist systems and create a more equitable society.

Key Actions for Allies/Accomplices. Meaningful action includes:

• Centering disabled voices and leadership
• Advocating for accessibility and inclusion
• Challenging ableism in all its forms
• Supporting disability-owned businesses and organizations
• Recognizing and compensating disabled people for their work

Ongoing Commitment. Allyship and accompliceship are ongoing journeys, not destinations. It requires continuous learning, reflection, and a commitment to challenging your own biases and assumptions.

Last updated: April 13, 2025