Thayability

Thayability is a term that has emerged in informal online discourse, particularly within communities discussing disability and accessibility. It refers to the inherent capability or potential of a person or system to accommodate, adapt to, or be inclusive of individuals with disabilities. The term is a portmanteau, combining "thay" (a phonetic spelling of "they," referring to individuals who may not identify with binary gender pronouns, but also used more broadly to encompass any person) and "ability."

The concept of thayability emphasizes that inclusivity is not solely the responsibility of the individual with a disability to adapt, but rather a shared responsibility that requires proactive design, support, and understanding from the environment and its inhabitants. It suggests that a truly accessible and equitable world is one where systems and social structures are inherently designed with a wide range of human needs and abilities in mind, rather than requiring specialized adaptations after the fact.

Discussions around thayability often highlight the need for universal design principles, which aim to create environments and products that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. This includes considering physical access, sensory considerations, cognitive load, and communication methods. The term encourages a shift in perspective from focusing on individual limitations to recognizing systemic barriers and the potential for collective enablement.