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What is Disability?

Within the United States, 1 in 4 adults have a disability; globally, more than 1.3 billion people are disabled. Despite these statistics, disability is too often perceived as a niche issue, or overlooked entirely. But disability cuts across all identity groups, and every issue is a disability issue, because every issue impacts disabled people. As such, learning about disability is essential. This curated learning offers a starting point for understanding disability.

Aerial view of group of people crossing gray and white pedestrian lane.

By completing this curated learning, you will gain a basic understanding of the following concepts: 

  • How to define disability
  • The charity, medical, and social models of disability
  • Key terms including disability rights, disability justice, ableism, accessibility, and accommodations
  • The difference between person-first language and identity-first language

Materials

1

Resource: What is Disability?

This introductory resource explains how disability is defined and the “models of disability,” or frameworks, that are used to understand the disability experience. It also offers insight into disability statistics.

Go to Resource 1

Reflection Questions:

  1. After reviewing the definition of disability according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, has your perception of who is disabled changed?
  2. Are there people in your life who may be considered disabled but do not claim the identity?
  3. What is the first image that appears in your mind when you think of disability?

2

Resource: Disability 101 Fact Sheet

This fact sheet builds on the introductory resource by incorporating disability rights and justice as well as mentioning additional key concepts.

Go to Resource 2

Reflection Questions:

  1. When thinking about the different models of the disability experience, which model have you encountered the most in your daily life?
  2. How is disability interpreted in your workplace?

3

Resource: Disability 101: A Conversation with Maria Town

In this episode of Disability Inclusion: Required, tune in for an approachable conversation that shines a light on disability and offers insights for wherever you may be on your learning journey. 

Go to Resource 3

Reflection Questions:

  1. Ableism is rampant in our society- can you think of a time when you saw ableism in practice?
  2. Or when you have contributed to ableism?
  3. What would you like to change about the way you interact with people with disabilities?

4

Resource: Disability Inclusion 101: Getting Started and Tips/Tools for the Journey

This webinar is a deep dive into disability inclusion with new topics such as, a brief history of disability in the U.S., the intersectionality of disability, DEI, rights-affirming language, and how to interact with disabled people.

Go to Resource 4

Reflection Questions:

  1. Was there anything in the history and intersectionality sections that surprised you?
  2. When participating in DEI trainings in your workplace is disability included?
  3. What changes will you make when interacting with disabled people after viewing this resource?

5

Resource: Disability and Language

This resource gives tips on language and narratives preferred by the disabled community, including a language guide.

Go to Resource 5

Reflection Questions:

  1. Think about the last time you interacted with a person with apparent disabilities- did you use rights-affirming language?
  2. Of the five topics covered, which felt most relevant to you?
  3. After reading this resource, what changes will you make in the language you use when talking about the disabled community?
Questionnaire

Once you have completed this curated learning module, please complete the questionnaire.