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Access fatigue

“[A]ccess fatigue, [is] the everyday pattern of constantly needing to help others participate in access, a demand so taxing and so relentless that, at times, it makes access simply not worth the effort.” For example, a person may feel access fatigue because they constantly have to explain their ADHD to teachers so that the teachers will be willing to provide accommodations. It is important to understand what access fatigue for two main reasons: one, so that people who do not experience access fatigue can better empathise with those who do, and two, because so many students reported experiencing access fatigue at University of Western Ontario (UWO) regularly.

Non-apparent (invisible) disability

A non-apparent disability is a common term to describe a disability that is not readily apparent from a quick look. This could include learning disabilities like ADHD and dyslexia, or physical disabilities like chronic pain. In our research, a lot of students reported experiencing people disbelieving or disregarding that they had a disability. Peers and professors would imply that they were making up excuses, and would not acknowledge how real the disability is.

Non-apparent versus Invisible

Non-apparent is considered a more accurate term to describe disabilities like ADHD, ASD, chronic pain, etc. It is considered more accurate, since these disabilities are not really invisible, as there are often signs that make them apparent. As well, the term invisible disability is considered offensive to some, since it implies that the person is not visible. Non-apparent is also considered more accurate and clearer than the term ‘hidden disability,’ because that term implies that people are hiding their disability on purpose.

Access

“Accessible” means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. The person with a disability must be able to obtain the information as fully, equally and independently as a person without a disability.” It is important to understand that many things that people take for granted, such as ease of movement, is not a universal experience.

Crip-tax

There are two forms of crip tax: direct and indirect. Direct is the direct cost that a person who is disabled pays because of their disability, such as personal assistance and healthcare. Indirect are the less known or immediate costs of living with a disability. This could include barriers to work, which results in lower paying jobs.

Lived experience

Lived experience is the knowledge that a person gains from their own direct experience, rather than through other people’s representation or construction. A student that goes through life with a learning disability is going to have different perspective on the education system then a teacher who learns about the experiences of disability from a class. There are many intersecting outside influences that can affect someone’s experience, such as home life and personal identity. It is valuable to listen to peoples lived experiences, since there are likely different avenues that have not been thought of.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiverse is a term used to describe someone whose brain has developed differently, and impacts how they understand and interact with the world. Neurodiversity is inherently tied into disability, and it is important to recognize these growing communities in discussions about accessibility. There are a growing number of neurodivergent communities who bond through shared experiences.

Neurotypical

The opposite of neurodiverse, neurotypical refers to someone who is ‘normal,’ or who thinks and acts in an average manner.

Masking

Masking is when someone who is neurodivergent acts in a way that makes them seem ‘normal,' and is often done because people who are neurodivergent may feel the need to appear normal to fit in.
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