In this reflectary, you will find key terms on universal accessibility, independent living, decision-making support, and self-identification.
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Mad (Loca, loco) Some people who have been diagnosed with mental health issues, who have taken psychiatric medication, or who have been patients in mental health centres assert their right to call themselves mad as part of their identity. In this understanding, being mad is not a condition but a way to be which opposes the stigma that has always
Peer support (Apoyo entre pares) These are collective spaces where people with disabilities help, train, and strengthen each other. In these spaces, people recognize that they are the experts on the experience of disability, the barriers that they encounter in different areas, and the empowerment mechanisms that they have developed to exercise their citizenship. In this sense, peer support strengthens
Person living with a disability (Persona en situación de discapacidad) This refers to a person who—due to physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychosocial conditions—encounters disadvantages or a disabling situation when facing environmental barriers compared to others. In this framework, if the barriers that prevent full participation in society disappear, so does the disability they experience. This type of self-recognition, which aligns
Person with autism (Persona con autismo) This refers to a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The clinical manifestations of ASD vary which is why we talk about a range or spectrum. To refer to these individuals, MODII suggests using person with autism, person who has autism, or autistic person. A general term to refer to this population within human
Person with disabilities (Persona con discapacidad) This refers to a person with specific physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychosocial conditions, who encounters barriers that prevent them from fully and effectively participating in society, in a level playing field. In the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities these conditions are included as long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments (United
Person with functional diversity (Persona con diversidad funcional) This is a person who uses alternatives—that differ from what the majority of the population uses—to carry out certain tasks. For example, a person with a hearing impairment uses sign language to communicate, instead of words and hearing like the rest of the hearing population. Or a person with cerebral palsy who
Person with hearing impairment or disability (Persona con discapacidad auditiva) This refers to a person whose hearing functions or ear structure are altered. This hinders their perception of sounds in the environment and oral language. The conditions for these alterations are multiple. As a result, hearing disability encompasses a wide range of diverse people, including those with complete hearing loss
Person with intellectual disability (Persona con discapacidad intelectual) This refers to a person who encounters barriers in the environment due to the way they learn, understand, or communicate. These barriers hinder their ability to express themselves, participate, and interact with others. It could also imply certain limitations in their ability to live their daily life independently. In general, this is
Person with multiple disability (Persona con discapacidad múltiple) A person who has two or more disabilities, whether physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychosocial. For example, a person with visual impairments and who is also hard of hearing. In this case, accommodations should consider the different areas where support is necessary. References: Comisión de Política Gubernamental en Materia de Derechos Humanos. (n.d.).
Person with physical-motor disability (Persona con discapacidad físico-motora) This refers to a person with decreased or absent motor and physical functions due to a lack of or alteration in the movement of a body part. This reduces their day-to-day ability to move autonomously. As a result of this reduced mobility, the most common barriers that they face are architectural. References:
Person with psychosocial diversity (Persona con diversidad psicosocial) This refers to ‘users, ex-users and survivors of psychiatric services, people who hear voices, people who see visions or experience changes in their mood, mad people, and people with psychosocial disabilities. People who have faced the deprivation of their freedom, restraint, involuntary manipulations, torture, and even death resulting from mental treatment’ (REDESFERA,
Person with psychosocial impairment or disability (Persona con discapacidad psicosocial) This refers to a person who—with or without a diagnosis of a mental illness—has experienced discrimination and social restrictions due to the stigma associated to their behavior and emotional expressions. This can be a diverse group of people who have manifested disorders in their mood or personality, and, in the
Person with visual impairment or disability (Persona con discapacidad visual) This refers to a person whose vision system is altered in terms of the structures or functions associated to it (Comisión de Política Gubernamental en Materia de Derechos Humanos, p. 12). It encompasses a wide spectrum, from a complete loss to partial loss. This is the preferred use over blind
Personal assistance (Asistencia personal) This is a personalized service provided by a person to someone who is in a situation of dependence, so that they can perform every day tasks according to their specific needs. The personal assistant conducts their duties based on criteria and indications previously agreed upon in a contract. Some countries already include this as part of
Physical accessibility (Accesibilidad física) It is the characteristic of places and facilities (buildings, transportation, housing, workplaces, schools, hospitals, squares) which people with disabilities can access and where they can move freely, without barriers. Whether they are public or private spaces, people with disabilities have a right to access all environments. This is achieved through a universal design or physical accessibility
Racism (Racismo) Racism is the discriminatory belief that a group of people have characteristics that make them superior or inferior compared to others. These characteristics are often physical, including skin colour or facial features. They can also include language or place of birth. Racism also refers to the political ideology or anthropological doctrine founded in that feeling of superiority
Reasonable accommodation (Ajustes razonables) These are the necessary and adequate modifications and adjustments to guarantee people with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise, on an equal basis with others, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The term ‘reasonable’ means that they do not impose a disproportionate or undue burden on those who make the accommodations. In Chile, the approach has shifted
Right to accessibility (Derecho a la accesibilidad) This is the right that people with disabilities have to use and understand all the goods and services around them, as well as move freely in public and private spaces. It is also the right to exercise active citizenship and to enjoy all aspects of the society to which they belong, regardless of
Safeguards (Salvaguardas) These measures protect and carry out the legal capacity of people with disabilities. They prevent potential conflicts of interest, abuse, and undue influence in their decision-making, and they ensure that their rights, will, and preferences are respected. Safeguards must be proportional, tailored to the person’s circumstance, and implemented in the shortest time possible. Competent, independent, and impartial authorities
Sexual assistance (Asistencia sexual) This may be a paid or unpaid service which allows a person with disabilities to explore and enjoy their sexuality. There is no consensus about whether this should be considered another aspect of personal assistance. However, it is clear that it can contribute to the well-being of people with disabilities and their right to live a
