How to Use This Wiki: Navigation Guide
This wiki has a lot of information. This page helps you find what you need.
Three Ways to Find Information
Section titled “Three Ways to Find Information”Option 1: Search
Section titled “Option 1: Search”Use the search box at the top of any page.
Search for:
- Topics: “housing,” “employment,” “mental health”
- Laws: “ADA,” “Fair Housing Act”
- Programs: “SSI,” “Medicaid,” “Section 8”
- Disability types: “autism,” “deaf,” “chronic pain”
- Specific needs: “screen readers,” “workplace accommodations”
Search tips:
- Be specific (search “ADA accommodations” not just “disabilities”)
- Try different keywords if first search doesn’t work
- Look at multiple results—there might be several relevant pages
Option 2: Browse by Topic
Section titled “Option 2: Browse by Topic”Go to the home page and click on a topic category:
- Crisis & Emergency →
- Money & Benefits →
- Your Rights & Laws →
- Housing →
- Health & Care →
- Education →
- Work & Employment →
- Assistive Technology →
- Specific Disabilities →
- Intersectionality →
- Community & Peer Support →
- Media & Culture →
Browse if:
- You don’t know exactly what you’re looking for
- You want to explore a whole topic area
- You’re researching broadly
Option 3: Follow Related Pages
Section titled “Option 3: Follow Related Pages”At the bottom of each page, you’ll see “Related Pages” with links to connected content.
Use related pages to:
- Go deeper into a topic
- Find related information
- Discover pages you didn’t know existed
- Jump to similar content in other regions/countries
Understanding Page Structure
Section titled “Understanding Page Structure”Most pages follow the same format for consistency:
1. Title + Opening Summary
Tells you what the page is about (usually 1-3 sentences)
2. Quick Start / Navigation
Jump to specific sections or topics within the page
3. About This Section / Introduction
Context for why this topic matters (1-2 paragraphs)
4. Key Information / Main Content
The main content—could be legal provisions, program details, terminology, steps, etc.
5. Why It Matters
Why this is important for disabled people—practical impact
6. Strengths and Breakthroughs
What works well about this law/program/concept
7. Challenges, Nuances, and Critiques
Limitations, problems, what’s missing
8. Global Perspectives & Intersectionality
How it works in different regions, intersectional considerations
9. For Specific Disabilities
How this applies to different disabilities (Deaf, Blind, Neurodivergent, Mental Health, etc.)
10. How Organizers and Advocates Can Apply It
Concrete strategies for advocates and disabled people
11. Contributing / Resources
Links, organizations, contact info, how to contribute
Pro tip: If you just want basics, read sections 1-4. If you want deeper understanding, read all sections.
Different Disability Types
Section titled “Different Disability Types”Pages address multiple disabilities:
We cover:
- Deaf and hard of hearing
- Blind and low vision
- Mobility disabilities
- Neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities)
- Psychosocial/mental health disabilities
- Intellectual/developmental disabilities
- Invisible/hidden disabilities
- Episodic disabilities
- Multiple disabilities
Within each page: Look for sections addressing different disabilities to find how information applies to your specific situation.
Geographic Navigation
Section titled “Geographic Navigation”Many pages have information for multiple countries/regions:
Pages organized by:
- Global/international pages (UN frameworks, global resources)
- US pages (federal and sometimes state-specific)
- Canada pages (federal and sometimes provincial)
- UK pages (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Australia pages
- European pages
- Global South pages (emerging content from Africa, Asia, Latin America, etc.)
To find your country: Use search or browse the relevant topic section for country-specific pages.
Note: We’re working toward comprehensive global coverage. Help us add your region →
Verified vs. Community Pages
Section titled “Verified vs. Community Pages”Pages marked with different indicators:
- Community-contributed pages: Written by community members; still valuable but developing
- Outdated information: Clearly marked; still useful but needs updating
- Under review: New content being verified
Help us improve: If you see errors or have updated information, use the contribution form →
Reading for Different Needs
Section titled “Reading for Different Needs”If you need a quick answer:
→ Read opening summary (1 min)
If you need practical information:
→ Read main content sections + “Why It Matters” (10-15 min)
If you need complete understanding:
→ Read all sections (20-30 min depending on complexity)
If you need to advocate:
→ Read main content + “How Organizers” section + “Challenges” section (20 min)
If you need global perspective:
→ Focus on “Global Perspectives & Intersectionality” sections and look for multiple country pages (15-30 min)
Tips for Different Disabilities
Section titled “Tips for Different Disabilities”If you’re Deaf or hard of hearing:
Section titled “If you’re Deaf or hard of hearing:”- Check for caption and transcript links
- Look for interpreter access information
- Search for “sign language,” “ASL,” or “communication access” if relevant
- See communication access pages →
If you’re Blind or low vision:
Section titled “If you’re Blind or low vision:”- Content is screen-reader compatible (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)
- Heading structure is semantic (press H to jump between sections)
- All links have descriptive text
- Images have alt text descriptions
- See accessibility resources →
If you’re neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.):
Section titled “If you’re neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.):”- Pages use short paragraphs and subheadings for easy scanning
- You can skip sections and jump around (no linear reading required)
- Don’t feel obligated to read everything
- Search for specific concepts rather than reading whole pages
- See neurodivergence pages →
If you have mental health disability:
Section titled “If you have mental health disability:”- Pages include content notes where relevant
- Crisis resources linked throughout
- Pages centered on self-determination, not medical model
- You can take breaks—pace yourself with this information
- Go to mental health resources →
If you have chronic illness or pain:
Section titled “If you have chronic illness or pain:”- Pages designed for access without long reading sessions
- You can read in installments (come back anytime)
- Search function helps you find what you need quickly
- Set your own pace; there’s no rush
- See chronic illness pages →
If you’re navigating multiple disabilities:
Section titled “If you’re navigating multiple disabilities:”- Look for multiple disabilities page →
- Many pages address how conditions interact
- Search for combinations of your disabilities
- Find peer support for your combination →
Accessibility Features
Section titled “Accessibility Features”This wiki works with:
Screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack, etc.)
- All pages have proper heading structure (H1, H2, H3)
- Links have descriptive, meaningful text
- Images have alt text descriptions
- No color-only information
- Semantic HTML structure
Mobile devices (phones, tablets)
- Single-column responsive layout
- Large touch targets for links/buttons
- Works in any orientation
- Fast loading times
Browser customization:
- Zoom in/out (works at any size)
- Adjust text size
- High contrast mode
- Custom fonts (some browsers)
- Dark mode (if your browser supports it)
Keyboard navigation
- Tab through links and headings
- Arrow keys navigate lists
- Enter/Space to click links
- No keyboard traps
- Skip navigation links available
Browser Support
Section titled “Browser Support”This wiki works on:
- Chrome/Chromium (all versions)
- Firefox (all versions)
- Safari (all versions)
- Edge (all versions)
- Mobile browsers (iOS Safari, Chrome Mobile, Firefox Mobile)
Best accessibility support: Firefox with NVDA or Chrome with JAWS
Printable Pages
Section titled “Printable Pages”Most pages can be printed or saved as PDF:
- Use browser’s print function (Ctrl+P on Windows, Cmd+P on Mac)
- Content stays readable in print
- Links are preserved
- Formatting optimized for paper
Suggested Reading Paths
Section titled “Suggested Reading Paths”You need help RIGHT NOW:
Section titled “You need help RIGHT NOW:”- Search for specific crisis resource
- Go to Crisis Hotlines →
- Use contact information immediately
- For disability-specific crisis support →
You’re newly disabled:
Section titled “You’re newly disabled:”- Read Welcome to the Disability Wiki →
- Read What Is Disability? →
- Search for specific disability or topic you need
- Explore Community & Peer Support → to find peer support
- Learn about disability models →
You need legal/rights information:
Section titled “You need legal/rights information:”- Search for your country or specific law
- Go to Rights & Advocacy →
- Find your country’s laws page
- Read “Key Information” section
- Look at “How Organizers” section for advocacy strategies
- Check “Further Resources” for legal aid organizations
You’re supporting someone else:
Section titled “You’re supporting someone else:”- Read For Allies →
- Search for the person’s specific needs
- Use information to support their self-determination
- Important: Encourage them to read directly (not receive info through you)
- Support their autonomy and choices
You want to explore disability deeply:
Section titled “You want to explore disability deeply:”- Read all Foundations pages →
- Explore a topic section (Housing, Benefits, Employment, etc.) page by page
- Follow “Related Pages” at bottom of each page to go deeper
- Read Media & Culture → for books, podcasts, and creators
- Explore disability history →
You’re researching disability rights:
Section titled “You’re researching disability rights:”- Start with Disability Rights Overview →
- Go to History of Disability Rights →
- Find your country’s laws section
- Learn about intersectionality →
- See research and data →
Common Questions
Section titled “Common Questions”Q: Where’s information about my country?
A: Use the search function. If not found, it’s on the roadmap. Help us add your country →
Q: Can I print or download pages?
A: Yes, use your browser’s print function to save as PDF. Downloads (markdown files) coming soon.
Q: Is this legal advice?
A: No. This is informational education. For legal advice, consult a lawyer. Find legal aid →
Q: Is this medical advice?
A: No. For medical advice, consult your healthcare provider.
Q: Can I use this information elsewhere?
A: Yes, under CC-BY-SA 4.0 license (you must credit us and share under the same license). See About page →
Q: Can I contribute?
A: Yes! We need community perspectives. Learn how to contribute →
Q: Where’s information about [specific topic]?
A: Try searching or browse the relevant section. If you can’t find it, let us know → and we’ll add it to our roadmap.
Getting Help
Section titled “Getting Help”Can’t find what you need?
→ Use search with different keywords, or contact us →
Found an error or outdated information?
→ Use the contribution form → to report it
Accessibility problem?
→ See Accessibility Statement → or Contact Us →
Want to contribute your knowledge?
→ Learn how to contribute →
Have feedback on the wiki?
→ Share your thoughts →
Bookmarks for Future Reference
Section titled “Bookmarks for Future Reference”Consider bookmarking:
- This page (so you can return for navigation help)
- Your country’s laws and programs pages
- Crisis resources
- Specific disabilities or conditions you need
- Community resources and peer support
- Advocacy organizations relevant to you
How the Wiki is Organized
Section titled “How the Wiki is Organized”Sections:
| Section | Purpose | Get Started |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations | Understanding disability, culture, language | Start here → |
| Crisis & Help | Emergency support and safety | Crisis resources → |
| Community | Peer support and connection | Find your people → |
| Rights | Laws and advocacy strategies | Know your rights → |
| Healthcare | Medical access and health | Health care → |
| Benefits | Money, programs, financial support | Benefits guide → |
| Housing | Accessible housing and independence | Housing → |
| Education | Schools, learning, students | Education → |
| Employment | Jobs, work, accommodations | Work → |
| Transportation | Getting around, mobility | Transportation → |
| Relationships | Dating, family, safety | Relationships → |
| Daily Living | Everyday life, tools, hobbies | Daily living → |
| Technology | Digital access, assistive tech | Technology → |
| Disability Types | Specific disabilities | Conditions → |
| Intersectionality | Multiple identities & disability | Intersectionality → |
| History | Disability history and culture | Disability history → |
| Media & Arts | Books, creators, culture | Media → |
| Research | Data, studies, academic info | Research → |
| Get Involved | Activism and advocacy | Get involved → |
| Glossary | Terms, how to contribute | Glossary → |
Tips for Better Wiki Searching
Section titled “Tips for Better Wiki Searching”Search effectively:
- Use specific terms: “workplace accommodations” not just “work”
- Try variations: “SSI” and “supplemental security income”
- Search the whole wiki, not just one section
- Look at multiple results
If your search doesn’t work:
- Try simpler keywords
- Search for a related term
- Browse the section you think it’s in
- Ask the community →
Notes on Wiki Content
Section titled “Notes on Wiki Content”This wiki does:
- Center disabled people’s knowledge and lived experience
- Include global and multiply-marginalized perspectives
- Respect all disability identities and approaches
- Use identity-first language (Deaf, Autistic, disabled)
- Stay community-driven and welcome contributions
- Get designed for accessibility from the start
This wiki does not:
- Substitute for legal advice, medical advice, or crisis services
- Replace personal decision-making with loved ones and experts
Contributing to the Wiki
Section titled “Contributing to the Wiki”The wiki grows through community contributions. Learn how to contribute →
We need:
- Lived experience perspectives
- Regional/country-specific information
- Corrections and improvements
- New topics and ideas
- Accessibility feedback
- Languages and translations
Ready to Explore?
Section titled “Ready to Explore?”Start wherever makes sense for you:
- Overwhelmed? → Foundations →
- In crisis? → Crisis resources →
- Searching for something specific? → Use search box at top
- Want to explore? → Pick a section from the list above
- Looking for community? → Community & peer support →
Contribute to This Page
Section titled “Contribute to This Page”Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.