1. What’s In a Name: Implications of Position Titles in Disability Resources AHEAD 2015
Grace Moskola
Kimberly Tanner
Accessibility Consultant
Director
Student Accessibility Services
Access Office
University of Central Florida
Valdosta State University

2. Agenda
Introductions
Overview of Medical and Social Model of Disability
Reframing
Why reframe?
How to reframe?
Historic perspective from UCF and VSU
Job titles & Office names
Changes and the resulting impact
Refocus resource
Discussion/ Q&A

3. “Two Models of Disability” Gill, C. (1994). Two models of disability
“Two Models of Disability” Gill, C. (1994). Two models of disability. Chicago Institute of Disability. University of Chicago.
Medical Model
Socio-political Model
Disability is a deficiency or abnormality
Being disabled is negative
Disability resides in the individual
The remedy for disability-related problems is cure or normalization of the individual
The agent of remedy is the professional who affects the arrangements between the individual and society
Disability is a difference
Being disabled, in itself, is neutral
Disability derives from interaction between individual and society
The remedy for disability-related problems is a change in the interactions between the individual and society
The agent of remedy can be the individual, and advocate, or anyone who affects the arrangements between individual and society

4. How do we reframe?
“A frame, or frame of reference, is a complex schema of unquestioned beliefs, values and so on that we use when inferring meaning. If any part of that frame is changed (hence ‘reframing’), then the meaning that is inferred may change.”
To reframe:
Consider the message you are sending? Does the message reflect your intentions? What “reality is being created” when using a particular frame?
Reconsider your message using a different “lens.” Be intentional with your words and actions. Reframing allows us to recreate our reality.

5. Reframing Our Language: How does the tone/focus change to match the true nature of our jobs?
Focus on Disability
Focus on Accessibility
Disability Specialist
Disability Resource Center
Disability Awareness
Accessibility Consultant
Accessibility Services
Accessibility Awareness

6. Hidden Meanings in Job Titles
Rule Maker
Legal
Manager
Director
Coordinator
Specialist
Assistant
Counselor
Advisor
Consultant
Helper
Cheerleader
Controller
Medical
Enforcer

7. Who are you? Specialist Consultant
Definition: a person who devotes himself or herself to one subject or to one particular branch of a subject or pursuit.
Title: “Disability Specialist”
Meaning: A person who devotes him/herself to knowledge about various disabilities
Definition: a person who gives professional or expert advice
Title: “Accessibility Consultant”
Meaning: A person who gives professional advice regarding creating an accessible environment

8. A Tale of Two Offices… University of Central Florida
Office name
Past & Present
Position title(s)
Valdosta State University

9. Reactions from Campus: Office Name
Student Accessibility Services/Access Office
“Promotes inclusion and not labeling of a group of people”
“Access encompasses all groups of people”
“Using the word Accessibility instead of Disability removes the negative stigmas.”

10. Reactions from Campus: Position Title
Accessibility Consultant/Strategist
“Emphasizes collaboration between student and staff, gains student trust and buy-in.”
“More positive and less intimidating than the word “Coordinator.”
“The job title reflects what we do to help students accomplish their goals”
The title of “Disability Specialist” would indicate that “everyone on campus and elsewhere will be looking to me for all the right answers related to disability…specialist means important and most knowledgeable in their field-like physicians specializing in neurology, cardiology, etc.”
“I felt very intimidated by the word ‘specialist’…”
“That is a cool title” and it is “the best description of what [is done].”

11. Resources to Help with Reframing
Refocus: Viewing the work of disability services differently
Grace’s address:
Kimberly’s address: