Theoretical Models of Disability
What does the Medical Model focus on?
Viewing impairment as the problem and focusing on medical management.
What is a Visual Disability?
A sensory disability involving vision loss.
What percentage of the US population has a disability?
27%
What is People-First Language?
Recognizing that someone is more than their ability; they are a person first.
Define Usability
The ease of access or use of a website for all users.
What are Multiple Means of Engagement?
Connecting learner's interests to methods of instruction, accommodating different learning styles.
What is an example of Equitable Use in design?
Automatic doors that everyone can use without needing assistance.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Define the Social Model of Disability.
Society’s barriers cause disability rather than a person’s impairment.
Define a Temporary Disability.
A disability, injury, or illness affecting a person for a limited time.
What is the estimated spending power of Americans with disabilities?
About $490 billion.
What should you do before offering assistance to someone with a disability?
Offer assistance and wait until it is accepted; listen for instructions.
What does Accessibility address?
Ensuring equal access to digital and physical spaces for people with disabilities.
Give an example of Multiple Means of Representation.
Providing color contrast, resizable text, closed captions, and transcripts.
Give an example of Flexibility in Use.
Ambidextrous scissors, customizable options.
What is Section 508?
A law that requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
What is the Biopsychosocial Model?
It examines how medical, psychological, and socioeconomic factors combine to affect disability.
What is a Cognitive Disability?
Disability that affect a person's mental processes, like ADHD or dyslexia.
What are invisible disabilities?
Disabilities that are not observable, like cognitive impairments or mental health conditions.
How should adults with disabilities be treated?
Treat them as adults and avoid infantilizing them.
What is Inclusion?
Making sure all users have equal access to a service and feel valued.
What does Multiple Means of Action and Expression refer to?
Offering different ways for people to express their knowledge, like video vs. written content.
What is a design example that is Simple and Intuitive?
Universal symbols like disabled parking signs.
What is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)?
A set of guidelines for making web content accessible to people with disabilities.
What is the Functional Solutions Model?
It identifies specific ways to solve accessibility barriers.
Give an example of an Environmental Disability.
Language barriers or extreme heat.
Why are invisible disabilities often disregarded?
Because they are not visible, leading to disbelief or fear of stigma.
When is it appropriate to ask about someone’s disability?
Only in the correct context for relevant reasons.
How do Accessibility, Usability, and Inclusion interact?
Accessibility ensures equal access; Usability makes the experience intuitive; Inclusion ensures everyone feels respected.
What are examples of Multiple Means of Representation?
Braille, video and audio formats, captions.
How can information be made perceptible to everyone?
Cross-walk signals with auditory indicators.
What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
A law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies.
Describe the Social Identity Model.
Based on belonging, self-acceptance, and empowerment within a disability community.
What is an Auditory Disability?
Hearing loss ranging from mild to complete.
What percentage of disabilities are invisible?
70-80% of disabilities are invisible.
What type of language should you avoid when referring to disability?
Avoid collective terms and labels that group individuals into a category that promotes objectification. Do not use words with negative connotations. This includes language like "suffers" or "victim," which suggests a sense of hopelessness and can disempower people with disabilities.
Give an example of how Accessibility can lead to a better User Experience.
By removing barriers, the experience becomes easier and more intuitive for all users.
How can we provide Multiple Means of Engagement?
Providing space for self-regulation and accommodating different learning preferences.
What’s an example of a design that shows Tolerance for Error?
A seatbelt beep that reminds you to buckle up.
What is the Fair Housing Act in terms of accessibility?
A law that prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability and requires landlords to allow reasonable modifications to accommodate disabilities.