Introduction to Accessibility
For Moisture Festival Volunteers
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Please check out the following articles from the Arts & Culture Accessibility Hub, created by Open Door Arts,
to learn more about some introductory topics on accessibility!
*Key takeaways are listed below each link.*
Key definitions:
Disability - The ADA defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including those with a history of such impairments or who are perceived as having one. Beyond the ADA, disability is also viewed as an aspect of identity, community, and culture.
Ableism - Ableism is a system of advantage and discrimination based on ability or perceived ability, and a set of beliefs or practices that devalue and discriminate against people with disabilities.
Disability History - Disability history refers to a series of events over time that have contributed to and influenced societal understanding and activism regarding people with disabilities as well as the passing of disability rights legislation.
Intersectionality - Intersectionality is a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe the ways in which multiple forms of inequality or disadvantage based on held social identities (including race, class, gender, and disability status) can create compounding experiences of oppression and discrimination.
Disability Awareness - The understanding of the lived experiences, challenges, and access needs of people with disabilities. It involves recognizing disability as a natural and valuable part of human diversity and being mindful of these factors when designing or planning activities, services, or programs. Awareness should center on the affirmation of disabled people's dignity, autonomy, and cultural identity, ensuring that inclusivity and respect are foundational to all efforts.
Disability Justice - While the disability rights movement fought for essential legal protections like the ADA, disability justice recognizes that true liberation requires addressing the multiple and overlapping forms of oppression that disabled people face, including racism, colonialism, capitalism, heteropatriarchy, and ableism.
Main points from the article:
A summary of key moments in disability history and the fight for disability rights in the United States for the past 200+ years.
A brief overview of disability justice and some of its central concerns, including the 10 Principles of Disability Justice
A brief overview of different components of disability culture, a rich and diverse expression of identity, pride, and community. It often rejects the medical model, which views disability as something to be fixed, and instead empowers disabled people to embrace their identities and resist the ableism that has historically marginalized them.
Considerations for organizations incorporating disability communities in their work.
Key Definitions:
Disability - The ADA defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including those with a history of such impairments or who are perceived as having one. Beyond the ADA, disability is also viewed as an aspect of identity, community, and culture.
Disability Culture - Disability Culture describes the shared identity of people with disabilities based on their common history, experiences, values, perspectives, practices, language, and art. It is intended to simultaneously promote a sense of commonality and belonging while honoring the unique, diverse, and intersecting identities and experiences of each individual. The term has been defined and popularized by Steve Brown.
Disability Justice - While the disability rights movement fought for essential legal protections like the ADA, disability justice recognizes that true liberation requires addressing the multiple and overlapping forms of oppression that disabled people face, including racism, colonialism, capitalism, heteropatriarchy, and ableism.
Intersectionality - Intersectionality is a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe the ways in which multiple forms of inequality or disadvantage based on held social identities (including race, class, gender, and disability status) can create compounding experiences of oppression and discrimination.
Models of Disability - Different societal viewpoints on disability are categorized into different “models.” There are many different models globally, but in the US the Social Model and Medical Model are most prevalent. Models of disability evolve overtime and are used as frames of reference for thinking and speaking about disability.
Neurodiversity - Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how human brains function. It encompasses a wide range of cognitive styles and abilities, including but not limited to conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, learning disabilities, and other cognitive differences. This concept emphasizes that such differences are part of human diversity rather than deficits, and that these variations offer different ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world.
Non-Apparent Disability - Non-apparent disabilities, also known as invisible, hidden, or unapparent disabilities, are conditions that may not be immediately visible, recognizable, or consistently apparent. They may also be referred to as invisible, non-visible or hidden disabilities. Some examples of non apparent disabilities are but not limited to: hearing loss, chronic illness, mental health disabilities, cognitive disabilities, intellectual disabilities or neurodivergence. Some non apparent disabilities are also "dynamic disabilities" which means the severity, symptoms, or access needs of their disability can change or vary over time.
Disability Rights - Disability Rights are the civil and human rights that protect disabled people’s equal participation in all areas of life.
Main points from the article:
Considering different definitions of disability in order to understand that our legal definitions of disability do not provide a complete understanding of what disability is.
In the United States, the most dominant models of disability are the medical and social models, though there are others, including: Affirmative model, Political-relational model, Economic model, and Charity model, some of which perpetuate negative stereotypes of disability, framing disability only as the ability to contribute to society based on set standards or norms. The most accepted model of disability currently is the social model of disability.
Remember these considerations: not all disabilities are visible or apparent, not all disabled people identify as disabled or claim disability as a personal identity or experience, honor the way in which an individual defines disability for themselves and the language they use and claim, and follow the lead of the disability community as these understandings and definitions of disability evolve over time.
Key Definitions:
Disability History - Disability history refers to a series of events over time that have contributed to and influenced societal understanding and activism regarding people with disabilities as well as the passing of disability rights legislation.
Identity-first Language - Identity-first language is a way of referring to individuals that emphasizes their disability as a core aspect of their identity and one that cannot be separated from their personhood. Identity-first language is often encouraged as a way to challenge stigma and stereotypes about disability, normalize disability, and highlight the pride that many have in their disability identity. An example of identify-first language is “I’m disabled” instead of “I have a disability”, which would be considered person-first language.
Inclusive Communication - Inclusive Communication encompasses ways of communicating with and about people with disabilities that are respectful, welcoming and affirming. Inclusive communication uses language that avoids bias, slang, and euphemisms when speaking about people with disabilities. It also includes non-verbal means of expression and communication, such as tone, volume, proximity, facial expression, and gestures that contribute to the intended message.
Person-first Language - Person-first language is a way of referring to individuals that puts the person before their disability or condition to emphasize the notion that someone is a person first and not defined by their disability. An example of people-first language is “person with a disability” as opposed to “a disabled person”, which would be an example of identity-first language.
Plain Language - Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. It avoids unnecessary jargon, figurative language, passive voice, technical terminology and acronyms.
Main points from the article:
Incorporate best practices for communicating about disability at your organization by considering these guidelines:
Understanding the importance and impact of language
In the present-day United States, the two most common ways to describe disability are “person-first” and “identity-first” language. Each communicates fundamentally different understandings of what disability is, as well as the social and cultural value disability brings to our communities.
Remembering which words should be avoided (impairment language, euphemisms, inspiration language, and figurative or metaphorical language)
In addition to communicating about disability, your organization should incorporate some best practices for communicating with people with disabilities, in a way that’s most accessible and respectful to all, considering these guidelines:
Assume competence, be person-centered, ask, don’t assume, listen carefully, check for understanding, and use non-speaking cues
Remember that each individual is unique and has their own unique communication needs and preferences (which vary across time and setting)
When communicating with people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, speak as you typically do, make sure your face is visible, consider written communication and assistive technology. If you have an ASL interpreter, speak directly to the person you’re talking to, allow the interpreter to keep up, and don’t interrupt the interpreter.
When communicating with people who are blind or low-vision, introduce yourself clearly, use descriptive language, consider alternative forms of communication, respect physical boundaries, and speak as you typically do.
When communicating with people using mobility devices, respect physical boundaries and equipment, and provide assistance only when requested (ask before offering help).
When communicating with people with cognitive or developmental disabilities, provide clear communication, check for understanding, and offer supportive communication.
When communicating with people who are neurodivergent, consider sensory preferences, use direct and clear language, and offer non-judgmental communication.
Further reading: Welcoming Words — Why Language is Essential for Accessibility Equity in All Live Entertainment Genres
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