Glossary
This is an ongoing collection of important terms that we use in our work, along with a brief description of how we use them. Links to more detailed definitions and further reading can be found under each term.
If you miss a term or have other comments, we are happy to read from you at einstein_shk[at]hzt-berlin.de.
A – Z
Ableism is a discriminatory attitude that elevates certain abilities in terms of physicality, performance, speed, thinking, communication, etc. above others and organises public life accordingly. People who perform most of these abilities as well as possible are then considered the norm.
Disabled, chronically ill, deaf and neurodivergent people are systematically disadvantaged and excluded in a society dominated by ableism. Taking them into account in the design of buildings, events, public transport, etc. is portrayed as a laborious and expensive service instead of a matter of course.
Ableism also goes hand in hand with a medical understanding of disability, which sees disability as an individual impairment or deviation from the so-called norm. Disability, chronic illness, being Deaf or neurodivergence are portrayed as deficiencies that necessarily reduce a person's quality of life and therefore need to be ‘repaired/cured/corrected’ if possible.
The medical model of disability contrasts with the social model of disability, which locates disability in the ableist discrimination by society rather than in the person themselves.
Ableism is very closely intertwined with other discriminatory attitudes such as racism, colonialism, classism, trans*hostility, fatshaming and sexism.
Accessibility describes how well a disabled, chronically ill, Deaf or neurodivergent person can independently reach, participate in or engage with a place of social life – ideally with the same ease as a non-disabled person.
In German, the word ‘Barrierefreiheit’ (’barrier-free’) is usually used instead. Some disabled people find this word problematic, as it usually refers only to certain physical barriers, and an event with a ramp at the entrance and a wheelchair-accessible toilet is already described as ‘barrier-free’. However, this does not take sufficient account of the less visible barriers such as language, temperature, lighting conditions, social etiquette, etc.
An access rider is a document that attempts to specify what the author of the access rider needs in order to work, study, teach, etc. in a specific context.
An access rider can be designed by anyone and contain as much or as little personal information as they wish. While some access riders are very detailed and provide a lot of information, others are very pragmatic and concise. It is important to remember that your access rider (just like your needs and abilities) can change over time. So don't be afraid to send an updated access rider even if you are already working, studying or involved in a project!
If you are writing an access rider for the first time, it can be helpful to look at examples or follow instructions. Here are a few useful links:
https://diversity-arts-culture.berlin/en/magazin/access-rider
Access needs refer to the conditions that a person needs in order to get to a place, work there or participate in activities. These can be material conditions such as specific seating, a quiet room or ground-level access. They can also be non-material conditions such as specific lighting conditions, a certain room temperature, translation, the use of simple language or a specific rhythm between activities and breaks.
Aesthetics of Access refers to artistic practices in which access is incorporated into production from the outset with artistic intent, rather than being added retrospectively. One condition for this is that disabled artists are involved in leading positions, contributing their expertise.