Disability Awareness and Inclusion

Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021) reported an increase in the prevalence of persons with disabilities affecting one in four people in the United States. Disability awareness and inclusion describe how a combination of understanding, acknowledgment, compassion, and acceptance can allow persons with disability the same opportunities as those without disabilities. This can be seen with the increase in persons with a disability graduating from postsecondary institutions, about 14% from 2012 to 2022 of persons over 25. This chapter covers foundational material regarding disability awareness and inclusion, including the prevalence of disability in general and in educational settings, the models of disability, myths and facts. disability etiquette, and person-first language. The chapter encompasses the evolution of disability awareness related to the treatment toward and inclusion of persons with disabilities. It concludes with recommendations on increasing awareness and attitudinal acceptance for persons with disabilities.