Overview

On this page, we will dive into the difference between access and accommodation by exploring the social and medical models of disability.

Core Concepts

Access

When we use the term 'access' when talking about people with disabilities, we're using it just as we do in any other context - the ability to retrieve/use/benefit from/participate fully in something. Specifically, the ability to access something independently or without needing to ask for a modification or alternative format. For example, making sure a blind person can navigate a website or fill out a form without the help of a sighted person.

As accessibility has become a larger buzz word, it's becoming more common to see it used to mean available. It's important to distinguish these terms. An item may be available because it's posted online. However, if not everyone can open/navigate/interact with the item then it is not accessible.

Accommodation

The term accommodation refers to making a modification for someone to gain access or participate as fully as others. However, this doesn't mean that if someone needs accommodations your materials are not accessible. There are cases where a student or employee will need accommodations regardless of the work you've put into your content. For instance, the changes you've made will not necessarily eliminate the extra time it takes to complete a quiz with a screen reader or without the use of a mouse - that accommodation of extended time is still important.

Proactive versus Reactive Design

Access and accommodation aren't defined based on the service, but based more on when the service is provided. Access usually involves ensuring everyone can use/participate from the start. For instance, if I was hosting a meeting or event and made all of the handouts available digitally in addition to print, then folks who need to use assistive tech to read the handouts would be able to participate as fully as anyone using a printed handout.

Accommodations are made on an individual, as needed, basis. Accommodations are arranged once a person has brought to attention what they need to engage in the material/activity. For instance, if I did not plan on providing digital copies of my meeting handouts then participants would need to make individual requests for digital or large print versions. Access is proactive (designing/planning with everyone's needs in mind) and accommodation is reactive (making modifications based on an individual's needs).

The three images in the graphic below provide a good representation of the difference between access and accommodation.

three images as described in the previous text

In the first image, the people of differing heights are standing at a tall privacy fence that is between them and a ball game. Each is standing on a box to help them see over the fence. Though equal in treatment, it's not enough for the shortest person to see over.

The second image represents accommodation in that the tallest person has given their box to the shortest -- allowing them both to see over the fence.

The last image represents access. In this image there is no need for anyone to stand on a box as the fence itself has changed. The fence is chain linked instead of a solid wood privacy fence, allowing people to see through the fence and watch the game regardless of height.

Check Your Understanding:

Read each scenario, then decide if it is describing access or accommodation.

When Laurie began making video lectures about a year ago, she decided to caption all of her videos. This term Laurie has Tre, a deaf student, in her class. Tre is able to watch all of the videos without issue.

A. Access

Correct!
Since the videos were already captioned, Tre was able to watch the videos just like any other student, without having to request or wait to receive captions or a transcript.

B. Accommodation

Incorrect.
If Tre had to request captions and Laurie didn't provide them until she received an accommodation notice this would be a case of accommodations, but since they were provided by default it's a great example of access.

Alex has low vision and uses a program that enlarges text. Due to the extra time it takes to use the software to navigate a document or website, they are given extended time for tests.

A. Access

Incorrect.
Even if the course content is formatted in a way that Alex is able to access, due to the nature of their assistive technology, they still need an academic accommodation.

B. Accommodation

Correct!
Even if the course content is formatted in a way that Alex is able to access, due to the nature of their assistive technology, they still need an academic accommodation.

Social versus Medical Model

Traditionally, disability has been viewed using the medical model. The medical model approaches the impairment as the problem - something that needs to be cured or fixed; the problem resides within the individual. When we think about the work done to remove and reduce barriers for people with disabilities, we're using the social model of disability. The social model of disability focuses on how society does or does not allow an impairment to disable the person with the impairment; the problem is in the environment, not the individual.

Putting it Together

While there are cases that people will always need accommodations (like using a sign language interpreter, or extended time to allow for use of a screen reader), by making your materials accessible, you eliminate some of the obstacles and cut down on some of the hassle it may take a person to navigate your content. Doing as much work as you can on the front end eliminates the potential for a lot of work put into modifying your content at the last minute when you find out someone needs an alternative/accessible format.

Focusing on access is proactive - you're taking the steps to design materials that are usable for the most number of people. Focusing on accommodations is typically reactive - you're waiting for someone to approach you with a problem before you make changes.

Because we've become so accustomed to and have benefited from physical access, sometimes it's good to use physical spaces as examples to drive the point home. Imagine if architects didn't prioritize accessibility. We would never find it logical to put an elevator into a multistory building only when someone in a wheelchair or on crutches shows up. Designing digital content is the same - it's often much more disruptive and time consuming to remediate materials rather than make them accessible from the start.

Video Supplements

The Social Model of Disability (2 mins)

This video addresses the social model of disability.

Video: The Social Model

What is Accessibility? (8 mins)

In this video, people will discuss what accessibility means to them and the concrete steps people can take to help create accessible spaces.

Video: What is Accessibility?

Aimee Mullins: The Opportunity of Adversity (22 mins)

Mullin's TED Talk is a powerful lecture on the meaning behind the word disability and how society views people with disabilities. Her discussion hits at the harm of the medical model and the importance of society embracing the social model of disability in order to make greater strides towards accessibility. If you do not have time to watch Mullin's full talk, jump to 8:56

TED Talk: Aimee Mullins: The opportunity of adversity