This section provides definitions, terminology, and information on how to contribute to the Disability Wiki. Terms are explained in plain language from a disability justice perspective.
Language matters. The terms we use reflect power, values, and frameworks. This glossary includes disability-specific terminology, acronyms, and cultural concepts from a rights-based and community-centered perspective.
We've also included information on how to contribute to this wiki, maintain its quality and accessibility, and grow it as a community resource.
Glossary of disability and disability justice terms. Includes definitions in plain language, context on why terms matter, and noting where communities use language differently.
Common disability acronyms and what they stand for. Includes legislation (ADA, IDEA, SSDI), organizations (ACLU, NFIB), and other abbreviations.
Key books, articles, and resources referenced throughout the wiki. Includes works by disability scholars, activists, and disabled people.
How to cite pages from this wiki in academic work or formal writing. Includes MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard formats.
Instructions for contributing to the wiki. Covers different ways to contribute, the contribution process, and guidelines for content.
Standards maintained across the wiki. Covers plain language, accessibility, voice and tone, and quality maintenance.
Disability: A condition that may create barriers in society. Disability is identity and community, not just medical condition.
Disabled person: Identity-first language. Many disabled people prefer this; it affirms disability as part of identity.
Non-disabled: People without disabilities. Preferable to "abled" or "healthy."
Accommodation: Change or adjustment allowing disabled people access (accommodation in hiring, classroom, etc.)
Accessibility: Making something usable by disabled people. Includes physical, communication, cognitive, sensory, and other dimensions.
Barrier: Something preventing disabled people's access or participation. Barriers are often systemic, not individual.
Ableism: Discrimination or prejudice against disabled people. Systemic oppression based on ability.
Universal design: Design that works for people with diverse abilities from the start.
Inclusive: Intentionally including disabled people and removing barriers to participation.
Disclosure: Telling someone you have a disability. Choice about when/if to disclose.
Disability Justice: Framework centering multiply-marginalized disabled people, addressing interconnected oppressions, and building toward liberation.
Intersectionality: Understanding how different oppressions (ableism, racism, sexism, transphobia, classism, etc.) interconnect.
Nothing About Us Without Us: Core principle that disabled people must be included in decisions affecting us.
Crip: Reclaimed term used by disabled community for disabled people and disability culture. Used proudly by many, though not by all.
Mad: Identity embraced by people with psychiatric disabilities. Differs from use as insult.
Neurodivergent: People with different neurotypes (Autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, etc.). Often embraced as identity and difference, not disorder.
Madness: Experiences of psychiatric disability, psychosis, altered mental states. Reclaimed term in some communities.
Access intimacy: Close knowledge of someone's access needs and trusting provision of those needs. Built through relationship.
Medical Model: Disability as individual deficit/problem needing to be fixed. Focuses on medical treatment, rehabilitation. Outdated model.
Social Model: Disability as created by social barriers. Disability exists when person meets inaccessible/discriminatory society. Foundation of modern disability theory.
Disability Justice: Framework centering most-marginalized disabled people, addressing interconnected oppressions, building toward liberation (not just accommodation or inclusion).
Neurodiversity Paradigm: Understanding neurodivergence as natural human variation, not disorder. Values neurodivergent perspectives and ways of being.
Human Rights Model: Understanding disability through rights lens rather than medical or charity lens.
Independent Living Philosophy: Disabled people have right to make decisions about where and with whom we live and to receive support enabling independence.
Contributing to Disability Wiki:
Ways to contribute:
Contributing process:
Contribution form: [Link to form →]
What we're looking for:
We particularly welcome contributions from:
Pages in this wiki maintain consistent standards:
Plain language: Complex ideas explained without jargon. When jargon is necessary, it's defined.
Accessibility first: All pages meet accessibility standards (headings, descriptions, contrast, etc.)
Active, clear voice: Direct communication. "You" language when addressing readers. Avoid passive voice.
Balanced perspective: Acknowledge different viewpoints. Center disabled people's perspectives.
Evidence-based: Information grounded in research, evidence, or lived experience. Citations included.
Intersectionality: Address how issues affect multiply-marginalized disabled people.
Disability justice: Content reflects disability justice values and principles.
Community-driven: Content develops from community input, not expert-only authority.
Accuracy: Information is accurate and verified. Errors corrected promptly.
Completeness: Pages include relevant information. Missing information noted.
Accessibility: All pages meet WCAG accessibility standards.
Updates: Content updated as information changes or when community provides feedback.
Citations: Sources cited when appropriate.
Tone: Respectful, non-judgmental tone. Reflects disability pride and justice.
Inclusivity: Multiple perspectives represented. Global, cultural diversity.
All wiki pages:
MLA Format:
Author(s). "Page Title." Disability Wiki, Date Updated, URL.
APA Format:
Author(s). (Date). Page title. Disability Wiki. Retrieved from URL
Chicago Format:
Author(s). "Page Title." Disability Wiki. Accessed Date. URL
Harvard Format:
Author(s) (Date) 'Page Title', Disability Wiki. Available at: URL (Accessed: Date).
Note: If no individual author is listed, use "Disability Wiki" as author.
Foundational texts in disability studies, rights, and justice
Disability studies scholarship from disabled academics
Disability justice works from activists and organizers
Policy documents (legislation, court decisions, etc.)
Community resources from disability organizations
International resources on disability globally
Mission: Create comprehensive community-driven resource by and for disabled people, centering disability justice principles and multiply-marginalized voices.
Values:
Community-driven: This wiki is maintained by disabled volunteers, community members, and contributors. It's built for and by disabled people.
Accessibility: Accessibility is a fundamental value, not afterthought.
Mistakes: We make them. When you notice, please tell us.
Evolution: This wiki will grow and change as community contributes and knowledge develops.
Questions about content? Contact us at contact page →
Accessibility issues? Report to contact page →
Want to contribute? Use [contribution form →]
Feedback? We welcome all feedback at contact page →
This wiki exists because disabled people created it. Contributors include [names and roles of key contributors if appropriate].
Every disabled person who shared knowledge, perspective, and lived experience is a contributor.
This wiki builds on decades of disability rights work, disability justice organizing, and disability scholarship by disabled people globally. We honor:
Thank you.
[Link to contribution form →]
Have expertise to share? We want to hear from you.
Notice something missing? Tell us.
Found an error? Let us know so we can correct it.
Want to improve accessibility? Your suggestions matter.
Last updated: [Date]
Maintained by: DisabilityWiki Community
Questions or feedback? Contact us →