@annaecook I wonder what they're trying to figure out someone is even "qualified" for.

Rather than deciding who is or isn't "disabled" or what that even means, an accommodation-first approach is usually much more helpful.

What a funny thing to gatekeep.

I've occasionally met people who introduce themselves as 'disabled', and I sometimes find that word difficult to hold space for. Do you need an ASL interpreter? Should I avoid venues with stairs? Are flashing lights dangerous to you? Should I make sure the spaces we meet have a quiet place in case stuff gets too loud? Do you need to 'call out' for rest some days? Should I just plan for an occasional mobility issue to interfere with yoga or whatever?

I'm all about people reclaiming "disabled", and if someone uses it, I tend to assume that they're using that word because they don't want to invite questions about it.

I could see it occasionally being helpful, especially if giving social context for an experience or whatnot. I guess it reminds me a bit of saying "I have a food allergy". This is helpful to know, but it's often more helpful to know what the accommodation (avoid eggs and peanuts) is, if we're hanging out and making lunch plans. If you're a rando on the internet, I really don't need to know your lunch order.

Idk, just musing at this point. Agreed that gatekeeping is real weird in this zone.