Hard of hearing and Deafblind users: from adopting Social Model of Disability to Accessibility, Equality and Inclusion

Abstract

Adoption of the Social Model of Disability implies adopting identity first language rather than Medical language e.g. ‘disabled person’ rather than ‘person with a disability’. However individuals remain free to make their own choices regarding how they wish to refer to themselves. Using proper terminology and understanding the diversity of deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind community is a step one to providing access to information, knowledge and reading that enables and supports disabled people to live independently and participate fully and equally in the society. This way the role of libraries as key actors in promoting inclusion and human rights is strengthened.

Keywords: deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind users, identity first language, social model of disability.