Terms Related to Disability

A

Ableism

Refers to discrimination, prejudice, or social bias against people with disabilities. It is rooted in the assumption that non-disabled individuals are inherently superior, and that disability is a deficit requiring correction or cure. Ableism can be overt, such as exclusionary policies or discriminatory behaviour, or subtle, reflected in language, attitudes, and environmental design that fail to consider accessibility or inclusion. It shapes how societies are structured — through buildings, systems, and cultural norms — that privilege non-disabled experiences and marginalise disabled people. Challenging ableism involves recognising these systemic barriers and actively working to create equitable, accessible, and inclusive spaces.

Accessibility / Accessible Learning

Refers to the design of environments, services, and learning experiences that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to participate fully and independently. In education, accessible learning ensures that teaching materials, activities, and assessments are inclusive and usable by everyone, regardless of physical, sensory, cognitive, or technological barriers. Examples include captioned videos, screen-reader compatible documents, and flexible assessment formats. Accessibility reflects a proactive commitment to removing barriers and fostering equitable participation across the learning environment.

P

People with Disabilities

Refers to individuals who experience physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health conditions that significantly impacts their activities of daily living. The preferred usage places the person before the disability (e.g., “a person with a visual impairment” rather than “a blind person”), to emphasise personhood rather than limitation. Inclusive communication also involves avoiding ableist language and metaphors that reinforce stigma (e.g., saying “my advice was ignored” instead of “fell on deaf ears”). Using respectful, person-first language supports dignity, autonomy, and the recognition of individuals’ diverse experiences and contributions.