What does it mean to identify as disabled? For many youth and young adults, that question isn’t always easy to answer. Disability identity is deeply personal—and it can take time to understand where you fit in. Some people grow up knowing they’re disabled, while others don’t discover or embrace that part of themselves until later in life.
♿️ Disability 101: What is a "disabled" identity?
Disability identity isn’t just about a diagnosis or label—it’s about how you see yourself in relation to your body, your experiences, and your community. It’s about recognizing the ways disability shapes your perspective, your challenges, and your strengths. Learning about disability culture, history, and the rights of disabled people can play a big role in how someone comes to see disability as a meaningful part of who they are.
The YouTube video "Disability 101: What is a "disabled" identity?”, by YouTuber Isa Stahr, explains that disabled identity is about recognizing disability as a meaningful part of who someone is, rather than something shameful or negative. It discusses the difference between identity-first language (“disabled person”) and person-first language (“person with a disability”), emphasizing that language choice depends on personal preference. Embracing a disabled identity helps people feel connected to a larger community and culture and advocate for social change and accessibility.
Finding your disability identity can be a powerful experience. It can bring a sense of connection, pride, and empowerment. Whether you're just starting to explore this part of yourself or have been on the journey for a while, know that there’s no one “right” way to identify. What matters most is discovering what feels true for you.
The University of Maryland’s page, “What is Disability Identity?” explains that people think about disability in different ways, and not everyone with a disability sees themselves as disabled. It talks about the words people use—like “autistic person” or “person with Down syndrome”—and how it’s important to ask what someone prefers. The page also encourages people to think about their own identity and how their experiences shape it. It includes videos and articles to help people learn more and have more respectful, inclusive conversations about disability.
Featuring...
Youth Chat Recap: Preparing for Emergencies
For those that missed the SPAN Youth Chat last Wednesday, SPAN's Youth Engagement and Empowerment Coordinator Rachel Shandler discussed how young people with disabilities can be better prepared for emergency situations. Some of the topics included were: first aid, what counts as an emergency, and common examples of an emergency.
Rachel and the team also went over the steps to take when checking if someone is ill or injured. Because the meeting took place around the 4th of July, firework safety was also discussed. Included are the resources we shared.
Why Is It Important To Know What To Do In An Emergency: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/emergencies.html
Illness/Injuries: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/performing-first-aid/first-aid-steps?srsltid=AfmBOooiJ3AYK0cP6NcZ8YAC6SEuE3o_R6O8iOQ5lz3NhrHUeqLnqk5R
Common Injuries: https://safetec.com/blog/first-aid/five-basic-first-aid-treatments-for-common-injuries/
Bug Bites and Stings: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bug-bites.html
Dehydration: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/dehydration.html
Ear Buds: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/earbuds.html
Firework Safety: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/fireworks.html
The SPAN Youth Chat
Join with the SPAN Youth Engagement Team virtually on August 6th from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, for a topic about advocacy and youth empowerment. More details to come.
Resources...
Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.
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