I find thinking of these verbs in pairs interesting given the possible relations between them. The "destigmatize / celebrate" pair, for example, are somewhat in tension, as miniaturization efforts are designed to hide the need for assistance while hearing-aid jewelry strives to normalize the need for assistance. Other pairs, "automate / accompany" e.g., seem less in tension. Just an observation.
In any event, these pairs (and thoughts of universal design in general) bring me back to how we balance the fact that each one of us will need assistance at times in our lives with the fact that some of us live with disability in profound ways. Respecting both sides of that balance is a true challenge.
I think a lot about word usage and how we implicitly center or exclude with word choices. With your word pairs I appreciate the acknowledgement that we have many paths to solutions that work differently for different people.
I'm trying to think of something more optimistic or positive than "accommodate" to pair with "mitigate", though. Accommodation, from the ADA regulatory word, still somehow feels begrudging to me, as if the design solution is being squeezed in alongside the "real" thing and it's being done in response to a mandate, not as a starting point for design thinking. It feels pretty adjacent to "mitigate." "We'll accommodate your needs" for me doesn't capture the Gallaudet design that is absolutely grounded in the people in that building and what works first and best for them. Maybe "center" is the word I'm seeking.
I find thinking of these verbs in pairs interesting given the possible relations between them. The "destigmatize / celebrate" pair, for example, are somewhat in tension, as miniaturization efforts are designed to hide the need for assistance while hearing-aid jewelry strives to normalize the need for assistance. Other pairs, "automate / accompany" e.g., seem less in tension. Just an observation.
In any event, these pairs (and thoughts of universal design in general) bring me back to how we balance the fact that each one of us will need assistance at times in our lives with the fact that some of us live with disability in profound ways. Respecting both sides of that balance is a true challenge.
I think a lot about word usage and how we implicitly center or exclude with word choices. With your word pairs I appreciate the acknowledgement that we have many paths to solutions that work differently for different people.
I'm trying to think of something more optimistic or positive than "accommodate" to pair with "mitigate", though. Accommodation, from the ADA regulatory word, still somehow feels begrudging to me, as if the design solution is being squeezed in alongside the "real" thing and it's being done in response to a mandate, not as a starting point for design thinking. It feels pretty adjacent to "mitigate." "We'll accommodate your needs" for me doesn't capture the Gallaudet design that is absolutely grounded in the people in that building and what works first and best for them. Maybe "center" is the word I'm seeking.
I love these pairs and examples...brilliant!
This is helpful, thank you!
Always thoughtful and meaningful to read