week 9

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

A landmark legislation passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and mandates accommodations in workplaces and public facilities.

Symbolic annihilation theory

A theory proposed by George Gerbner, which suggests that media representations of certain groups (e.g., people with disabilities) are so scarce that they effectively erase them from cultural consciousness.

Able-bodied privilege

The societal advantages that individuals without disabilities experience, often without realizing the barriers faced by those with disabilities.

Hypersexualization

The portrayal of individuals, particularly women, in a sexualized manner that emphasizes sexual attractiveness, often disregarding their other attributes.

Disability

A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Paternalistic narratives

Media stories that frame individuals with disabilities as needing help or rescue, often reducing them to stereotypes that overlook their agency.

Self-determination

The ability of individuals to make choices and control their own lives, particularly relevant in the context of those with disabilities.

Grassroots movements

Community-led initiatives that advocate for social change, particularly regarding the rights and treatment of people with disabilities.

Positive aging

A perspective on aging that emphasizes health, wellness, and the potential for continued personal growth and learning.

Temporarily able-bodied (TAB)

A term that highlights that current able-bodied status is not permanent, acknowledging that anyone can experience disability at some point in their life.

Desexualized representation

Media portrayals of individuals, especially women, with disabilities that ignore their sexual identity and experiences.

Emphasized femininity

A form of femininity that emphasizes compliance with gender norms and expectations, often objectifying women.

Media representations of disability

The way in which people with disabilities are depicted in media, often leading to stereotypes and limited visibility.

Change is the only 'constant'

A philosophical idea that emphasizes the inevitability of change in society and the importance of adapting to new realities.

Aging processes

The social, political, and economic dynamics surrounding aging, including societal attitudes, roles, and the experiences of different genders as they age.

Family car dynamics

The ways in which access to and use of cars within families reflect class, gender, and ethnic disparities, influencing independence and mobility.

Ableism

Discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities, often reflecting the belief that typical abilities are superior to those of disabled individuals.

Mental illness as the last civil rights movement

The notion that the fight for equitable treatment and social acceptance of individuals with mental health issues is a contemporary civil rights issue.