"But you don't look sick!" - Invisible Disability Awareness, Accessibility, and Accommodation
This open discussion-based workshop will focus mainly on invisible physical disabilities, but invisible mental disabilities will be discussed with appropriate.
details
- when: saturday, april 16th, 2011, from 12:45 pm - 2:15 pm
- to attend: Please see the info page for more information on attending any of the workshops at the 2011 Boston Skillshare.
- facilitated by: Michelle Lagana
lesson plan
- What are invisible disabilities and who has them?
- What are some challenges people with invisible disabilities face?
- How can you be aware of and help accommodate people with invisible disabilities?
- Ableist language: Keeping informed about your choice of words. An objective look at both sides of the debate.
(There is a movement to end “ableist” language, this section of the workshop will be a non-biased look at the arguments of those in favor of abolishing ableist language and of those not in favor. The intention of this section of the workshop is to provide participants with the knowledge necessary for them to make an informed decision of their choice of words.)
facilitator experience
I've had an invisible disability for five years.
intended audience
Anyone who is interested in becoming more aware about invisible disabilities, who they affect, and how to help accommodate them both in any events you may plan as well as in daily life.
other resources suggested by the facilitator
From Invisible Disabilities Association: "Often when we think of the term, disability, we assume it only refers to people using a wheelchair or walker. On the contrary, the 1994-1995 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) found that 26 million Americans (almost 1 in 10) were considered to have a severe disability, while only 1.8 million used a wheelchair and 5.2 million used a cane, crutches or walker (Americans with Disabilities 94-95).
In other words, 74% of Americans who live with a severe disability do not use such devices. Therefore, a disability cannot be determined solely on whether or not a person uses assistive equipment."