According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability is someone who: 1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, 2) has a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or 3) is perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as a person who has scars from a severe burn).

 

Documentation and Why It's Necessary

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One piece in understanding the fullest picture of a student’s experience is gathering documentation about a student’s diagnosis/condition. Documentation provides information about the functional impact of a disability, especially as it relates to a requested accommodation.

Visible and Non-Visible Disabilities

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Not all disabilities are the same, which seems self-explanatory. Being blind is not the same as having Down’s Syndrome which is not the same as using a wheelchair. Some disabilities are visible to us while others may seem “invisible,” however it is important to realize that the disability still exists, and may have its own set of challenges and accommodations.

Language of Disability

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Words and language used to describe humans with disabilities can have a great impact. This article is a guide to inclusive disability language. Remember that people with disabilities may have varying preferences in the ways that they wish to be referred to. It is okay to ask if you are using language in an appropriate way. If someone ever corrects your language or suggests an alternative way of referring to their disability or identity, please be courteous and embrace their knowledge, choices, and perspectives.

Models of Disability

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A model of disability is a way to think about how people with disabilities exist in society. There are many models of disability; in this article we will discuss four prominent models.

Math Accessibility Guidelines

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Typed text is more legible for those with cognitive or visual difficulties including dyslexia, dysgraphia, low vision, color blindness, and more. Variations in handwriting style, skewed text, writing that is too small or too big, block vs. cursive writing, and more can make handwritten text and math difficult to decipher. As such, it is highly recommended to work with typed text and equations over handwritten math.  

Color Accessibility

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Colors can be a useful tool to convey complexity and differentiate content. In many cases, color can enhance the readability and organization of data. Learn about the use of color, contrast, and additional signifiers to make your materials more accessible. You can also view a checklist for best practices at the bottom of the article.