Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-first Century

Abolitionism (also called the abolitionist movement) was a reform movement dedicated to ending slavery in the United States. Though abolitionism was at its most visible in the 19th century, abolitionism and abolitionist values existed for as long as the institution of slavery itself. Notable abolitionists include Fredrick Douglas (1817-1895), Harriet Tubman (1822-1913), John Mercer Langston (1829-1897), William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879), John Brown (1800-1859), and Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896).

A natural language spoken predominantly by deaf and mute people. ASL consists of hand gestures instead of audible sounds.

A sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to others and/or a lack of interest in sex. Asexual people can (but do not always) experience romantic attraction to others. Asexual people can also (but do not always) experience sexual arousal and/or have libidos.

This term encompasses all devices used by disabled people that aid in activities of daily living (ADLs), such as ambulating/mobility, toileting, eating, personal grooming, and social participation. Examples of assistive technologies include wheelchairs, hearing aids, prostheses, memory aids, and braille.

Communication methods used to supplement or replace verbal and written communication. Examples of AAC include sign languages and graphic communication boards, as well as more high-tech options like Touch Talkers and text-to-speech programs.

In disability studies, the term “bodymind” refers to the inseparable connection between one’s body and mind. When scholars and writers refer to themselves as “bodyminds,” they are acknowledging this connection and rejecting mind-body dualism.

A system of conquest wherein one nation or group takes control over another country. This conquest is achieved through occupation and economic exploitation.

A persistent, long-term illness, typically lasting more than three months at a time.

A reclaimed slur used commonly by disability scholars and activists. It refers to disabled people, especially those with visible physical impairments.

As coined by Alison Kafer, “crip time” is a disability studies term that refers to the differences between the ways chronically ill, disabled, and neurodivergent people experience time as compared to nondisabled people.

A culturally Deaf person is one who was born into Deaf culture. Typically, this means that their native language is sign language. While most culturally Deaf people are also physically deaf, this is not always the case.

A term coined by Jillian Weise, “cyborg” is a personal identifier that includes any disabled person who has technology incorporated in/on their person.

A physical or mental condition that limits one’s ability to function in mainstream society. This may include chronic illnesses, psychiatric problems, physical degeneration, or genetic conditions like dwarfism.

A flare or “flare up” refers to the aggravation of a disabled or chronically ill person’s symptoms, especially referring to extended bouts of pain or discomfort.

Portrayals of disabled people intended to inspire nondisabled audiences. Inspiration porn usually positions its disabled subjects as brave and exceptional for “overcoming” their conditions and participating in society.

Intellectual disability (ID) is a category of developmental disabilities characterized by limited cognitive functioning and skills. These are lifelong disabilities that are usually measured with IQ tests.

“Intersectionality” describes the interconnected nature of social categories such as race, class, gender, and disability. Intersectional social justice aims to center these connections rather than examine them as wholly separate statuses.

In mathematics, the golden ratio refers to two quantities whose ratios are the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities. When applied to facial aesthetics, the golden ratio (also known as the Divine Proportion) can supposedly measure objective human beauty on a scale of one to 10.

In astronomy, a magnetar is a type of neutron star with an extremely strong magnetic field.

Neopaganism (also called “modern paganism” and “contemporary paganism”) is a modern religious movement that derives its values and practices from historical paganism and pre-Christian religions.

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that encompasses lifelong, inborn psychiatric disabilities. The conditions most commonly identified under this banner include autism (ASD), ADHD, intellectual disabilities, sensory disorders, and learning disorders (such as dyslexia and dyscalculia).

An electric wheelchair.

Physical disability is an umbrella term for persistent conditions that limit one’s basic physical activities in daily life. Physical disabilities encompass impairments caused by genetic conditions, illnesses, and injuries. Physical disabilities can range in severity and can be acquired at any phase of life.

Psychiatric disability—also called mental illness—is an umbrella term that encompasses conditions that impact mood, cognition, perception, and behavior. Clinical depression is the most common psychiatric disability. Neurodiversity is usually considered a subtype of psychiatric disability.

As defined by Sky Cubacub, radical visibility is a self-proclaimed clothing reform movement associated with Rebirth Garments. Radical visibility emphasizes comfort and accessibility for disabled, queer, and gender-nonconforming bodies. Radically visible clothing highlights queerness and disability with bright colors and geometric patterns.

A Muslim holiday that falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is traditionally observed through fasting (abstaining from food and drink), prayer, and reflection.

In disability studies, spoon theory uses spoons as a metaphor to explain disabled persons’ varying energy levels. Spoon theory was originally coined by Christin Miserandino in her 2003 essay “The Spoon Theory.” One might refer to their daily energy levels as their “spoons” (e.g., “I don’t have the spoons for this.”)

The singularity is a hypothetical point in the future wherein computers develop superintelligence and/or sentience. This development is expected to result in radical changes in civilization and may even spell the enslavement or extinction of the human race. The Singularity is a popular concept in science fiction and is supported by some scientists and academics.

A transgender person identifies with a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth. Traditionally, this refers to “male-to-female” and “female-to-male” transitions; however, this can also include nonbinary people, who do not identify as male or female.