The Internal Adapter
Often new to disability or still processing it privately. May avoid disclosure due to fear, internalized ableism or lack of awareness. Not likely to request support or accommodation and blames self for access challenges.
"I don't want to be a burden, so I try to just figure it out, even if it's exhausting."
Disability Characteristics
- Origin
- Whether the disability was present at birth or developed later in life.
- Range: Congenital to Acquired
- Current value: Acquired
- Framing Model
- Whether the experience is seen as shaped by systemic barriers or by individual diagnosis.
- Range: Social Model to Medical Model
- Current value: Medical Model
- Visibility
- Whether the disability is outwardly noticeable to others.
- Range: Non-Apparent to Apparent
- Current value: Non-Apparent
- Support System Access
- Access to assistive technology, services, caregivers, or community support.
- Range: Low Support to High Support
- Current value: Low Support
Design Considerations
- Avoid requiring disability disclosure for access needs
- Use language that validates uncertainty, exploration and learning
- Provide persistent access to support and guidance mechanisms
- Design with self-tuning and autonomy in mind