Clusiv is guided by the fundamental ideal in the right to life, liberty, and happiness. It’s why we’re here. We attempt to align our beliefs with our language to create respectful communication.
One of the things that we like to talk about is the Social Model of Disability. This model means that people aren’t disabled because of their physical impairments or challenges, but because of external barriers existing in society. These external barriers can be attitudes, like people believing that blind people need to be protected and provided for. Or external barriers can be physical challenges, like a building without proper ramps or elevators. Clusiv is focused on removing the digital barriers to education, connection, and work. It’s essentially a digital ramp.
That being said, we believe that people who have a disability have the right to discuss it in any way they choose. For some people, the medical model of disability is preferred. We use people-first language and community-based language out of respect for individual preference. Whether someone identifies as a blind person or a person with a visual impairment or low vision, Clusiv is committed to being an ally.