Let's Talk A11y

How do people talk of disability

Medical Model of Disability

• Focuses on the disability; not the person
• A disability is something "wrong" with the person

Social Model of Disability

• Focuses on the person
• A person is disabled by their environment
  • Stairs
  • Darkened room

Language - "pronouns"

• Person-first: someone with autism/dyslexia or who is blind/deaf
• Identity-first or Condition-first: a(n) autistic/dyslexic/blind/deaf person
• Person-centered: whichever the person prefers