The dialogue around diversity, equity, and inclusion is broad and growing daily. This introduces the need for a common vocabulary to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Because of differences in lived experience, words often hold different meanings for different people. This glossary is not meant to be exhaustive, since language is continuously evolving. The main goal is to provide a basic framework and promote dialogue.
There are currently 8 Terms in this directory beginning with the letter A.
A
Ableism
the discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities or people who are perceived to have disabilities.
Access and Functional Needs (AFN)
refers to a set of broad, cross-cutting access and function-based needs. Access-based needs require ensuring that resources are accessible to all individuals. Function-based needs refer to restrictions or limitations an individual may have that require additional assistance before, during, and/or after an emergency. Individuals with access and functional needs may include, but are not limited to, children, older adults, persons with limited English proficiency, and persons with limited access to transportation
Accessible
a description of a program, course, or activity that is easy for an individual to have access to — to be able to participate in and/or use with safety and dignity, with or without accommodations.
Ally
someone who supports a group other than their own (in terms of multiple identities such as race, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, etc.). An ally acknowledges oppression and actively commits to reducing their own complicity, investing in strengthening their own knowledge and awareness of oppression
