The Center for Race and Disability Justice is promoting justice for people of color, people with disabilities, and individuals at the intersection of race and disability. The intersection of race and disability highlights the unique challenges faced by individuals who belong to both marginalized groups, necessitating an intersectional approach to address systemic barriers and discrimination.
Understanding Intersectionality Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, refers to how various social identities, such as race and disability, intersect and create unique experiences of discrimination and marginalization. Individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups often face compounded challenges that are not fully understood when considering each identity in isolation.
Unique Challenges Faced Health Disparities: People with disabilities who are also racial or ethnic minorities often experience significant health disparities. They may face barriers to accessing healthcare, resulting in poorer health outcomes compared to their peers. The lack of data on these intersections contributes to ongoing disparities in health services and outcomes.
Employment Discrimination: Employment opportunities are significantly affected by the intersection of race and disability. Studies show that racial minorities with disabilities encounter greater challenges in securing jobs, often receiving fewer callbacks and job offers compared to their white counterparts without disabilities. This systemic discrimination limits their economic opportunities and social inclusion.
Social Marginalization: Individuals at this intersection often experience “triple jeopardy,” facing discrimination based on race, disability, and gender. For example, disabled Black women may encounter unique barriers that are not addressed by policies focusing solely on race or disability.
Access to Services: Many disabled individuals from racial minority backgrounds report a lack of access to services that meet their specific needs. This can include inadequate support in educational settings, healthcare, and community resources.
The Need for an Intersectional Approach Addressing the intersection of race and disability requires a comprehensive understanding of how these identities interact. Policies and advocacy efforts must consider the unique experiences of individuals who belong to both groups to effectively combat discrimination and promote equity. This includes fostering inclusive environments in workplaces, healthcare, and educational institutions, as well as ensuring that the voices of those affected are prioritized in decision-making processes.
In conclusion, recognizing and addressing the intersection of race and disability is crucial for creating equitable systems that support all individuals, particularly those who face multiple layers of marginalization. By adopting an intersectional lens, we can better understand and respond to the complex challenges faced by these communities.
The relationship between Disability Pride and healing is complex and multifaceted. While Disability Pride can be a powerful tool for self-acceptance and empowerment, it is essential to balance it with the importance of healing and recovery.
What is disability pride? Disability pride is the acceptance and honoring of each person’s uniqueness, viewing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. It celebrates the disabled identity and promotes self-determination, combating stigma and shame associated with disabilities.
What is healing?
Healing is the act or process of curing or of restoring to health. It is the process of becoming well again, especially after a cut or other injury, or of making someone well again. Wounds should be covered with a gauze dressing while healing occurs. Healing can also refer to the process in which a bad situation or painful emotion ends or improves.
Here are some key points to consider:
Disability Pride as a Source of Healing: Pride can foster a sense of community and connection among individuals with disabilities, which can be therapeutic. It can also serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience that come with living with a disability.
Balancing Pride with Healing: It is important to recognize that pride and healing are not mutually exclusive. Individuals with disabilities can benefit from both aspects of the Disability Pride movement and personal healing processes.
Addressing Ableism: The movement for Disability Pride is also a response to ableism, which can be a barrier to healing and personal growth. By challenging and countering ableism, individuals with disabilities can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for themselves and their communities.
Seeking Professional Help: For those struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues related to their disability, seeking therapy from a professional trained in disability issues can be beneficial.
Fostering a Culture of Healing: It is crucial to create a culture that values the healing process and recognizes the importance of personal growth and recovery alongside Disability Pride. This can involve advocating for accessible healthcare, educational resources, and legal protections that support the needs of individuals with disabilities.
In conclusion, while Disability Pride is a vital aspect of the journey towards healing and personal growth, it is essential to maintain a balance between the two. By embracing both aspects, individuals with disabilities can work towards a more fulfilling and empowered life.
Ableism gives a negative view of disability. It identifies being nondisabled as the ideal and disability as a flaw or abnormality.
It is a form of systemic oppression that affects people who identify as disabled, as well as anyone who others perceive to be disabled.
“Internalised ableism can have effects on individuals’ mental and physical health. It can lead to self-blame, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.”
Are you struggling with internalised ableism? Ableism and disablism, while often used interchangeably, have distinct meanings that influence our understanding of disability and discrimination.
Ableism refers to the attitudes, beliefs, and practices that devalue people with disabilities. It’s rooted in the assumption that able-bodied and neurotypical individuals are the norm, making those who deviate from these standards seem inferior.
Ableism manifests in various ways, from physical barriers, like buildings without ramps, to societal stigmas surrounding mental health. It often goes unnoticed, embedded in the everyday fabric of society.
For example, a classroom that lacks accessible materials for a visually impaired student or a workplace that doesn’t offer flexible hours for someone with a chronic illness perpetuates ableist norms. These situations frequently arise not from malice, but because the needs of disabled people aren’t considered.
Disablism, in contrast, is a more explicit form of discrimination. It refers to the deliberate exclusion or mistreatment of disabled individuals. While ableism is often unconscious and passive, disablism is active and intentional. It’s the act of marginalizing or oppressing people based on their disabilities. This could be through discriminatory hiring practices, bullying, or even outright violence.
For example, a company that explicitly refuses to hire someone because of their disability is engaging in disablism, as is someone who mocks or verbally abuses a person with a disability.
Understanding the difference between ableism and disablism is crucial. Addressing ableism involves raising awareness and changing ingrained practices. It requires a shift in perspective—from seeing disability as a flaw that needs fixing to understanding it as part of human diversity.
Universal Design, which promotes creating environments and products usable by all, embodies this approach. The curb cut, initially designed to assist wheelchair users, has proven beneficial to many, including parents with strollers and travellers with luggage. This “curb cut effect” shows how addressing ableism can lead to broader social benefits.
On the other hand, combating disablism often requires legal action and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. In India, for example, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aims to tackle disablism by prohibiting discrimination in employment, education, and other public areas. Disablism demands accountability and ensures that disabled individuals have the same rights and opportunities as others.
Both ableism and disablism originate from a societal devaluation of disability. Yet, they differ in their expression and impact.
Truth is ableism sucks. But we need to remember that external barriers and prejudices no matter how challenging they are do not dictate whether or not a Disabled life has meaning, love or laughter.
The good and the bad without the able world deciding how the Disabled experience should be viewed. Simply, listen, and ask how to help change the systemic and institutional barriers we still face today and every day.
Disability History Month is observed in October, while Disability Pride Month takes place in July. Let’s explore the reasons behind each:
Disability History Month (October):
Purpose: Disability History Month aims to raise awareness about the historical context, achievements, and challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Origins: It began in the United Kingdom in 2010 and has since spread to other countries. The choice of October is significant because it includes World Mental Health Day (October 10) and International Day of Disabled Persons (December 3).
Focus: During this month, educational institutions and organizations highlight disability-related history, activism, and advocacy. It’s an opportunity to learn about disability rights movements, legislation, and the contributions of disabled individuals.
Disability Pride Month (July):
Purpose: Disability Pride Month celebrates the identity, resilience, and achievements of people with disabilities. It’s a time to embrace pride and self-acceptance.
Origins: Disability Pride was initially celebrated for a day in 1990 in Boston, USA, coinciding with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It gained recognition as a month in 2015.
Symbolism: The Disability Pride Flag features vibrant colors representing various disability experiences and needs. For instance:
Red: Physical disabilities
Gold: Neurodiversity
White: Non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities
Blue: Emotional and psychiatric disabilities
Green: Sensory disabilities
Charcoal background: Protests against ableism
Importance: Disability Pride Month promotes visibility, counters ableism, and encourages celebration within the disabled community. Allies also play a crucial role in raising awareness.
Pride in general is in July for the LGBTQ+ community. There are different pride celebrations for different sectors within the community also which include those with disabilities. Like there’s also black pride in August for people of colour.
Is a flag needed?
Do you think this is patronising?
Both months are important. Both months contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society, recognizing the diverse experiences of people with disabilities. Both months show a level of intersectionality.
“Privilege is not having to add the extra steps to make the recipe taste good.” – Jon Stewart
Let’s think about that by looking at the concept of privilege. Privilege, from a sociological perspective is defined as: “Unearned access to resources only readily available to some people as a result of their advantaged social group membership.”
What does this mean?
Instead of taking it from a black/white paradigm, let’s look at it from a able/disabled paradigm.
If you do not have to live life from a wheelchair, you normally don’t think about NOT having to be in a wheelchair. You don’t think about the access you get to have. You don’t think about how you will get from Point A to Point B on a daily basis. You don’t think about whether or not you will be able to get into Building One or Building Two. You don’t have to know how to evacuate the building in the case of a fire, as a wheelchair user.
If you DO have a wheelchair, you can’t NOT think about these things. You always have to be aware of where you CAN and CANNOT go, the places you DO and DO NOT have access to.
How am I privileged for being in a wheelchair when I was born unable to walk? I need it for mobility. These places aren’t wheelchair accessible!
How am I privileged for getting extra help in class or exams? I have learning difficulties. Or if I apply for learning support, I have to pay for it?
How am I privileged if I sign up to join a ministry team at church and the leader insist that I get supervised even after being trained?
How am I privileged if my parents get asked to supervise me in class, because the Ministry of Education refuses to provide a Para-educator due to personal prejudices, preferences and opinions?
You don’t have to walk up these hills. You don’t have to climb the stairs. You’re lucky.
Attention both positive and negative
Wheelchair users have to deal with dirty looks people through their way, especially when driving to a wheelchair parking space. Social stigmas are very evident as you’ll see frequent glares, discrimination in public transportation, public ridicule, and pinpointing as one drives to disabled parking spots.
Even positive attention isn’t necessary as even well intended comments can get overwhelming.
The race for getting into the elevator
Wheelchair users find themselves competing with the rest to get to the elevator first. This is never fair since other people can climb the stairs fast and get into the elevator first.
Some people are confident to ask wheelchair users to wait and go last as the wheelchair will take more space in the elevator. This is very hurtful.
The struggle for parking the vehicle
Nowadays, most places, especially public areas, have parking for the disabled. These parking spots are near the entrance/exits and are bigger than standard park spaces. This hurts some non-disabled people, and they think it’s a privilege that wheelchair users don’t deserve; sometimes, you’ll find them discussing this.
Parking in accessible parking areas isn’t that easy as it sounds. Non-disabled people often park their vehicles in these spaces. Whereas they may find it enjoyable, it greatly inconveniences actual wheelchair users.
The other challenge is people parking too close to cars parked in the accessible parking spaces. This limits the use of the wheelchair ramp, which is very inconvenient.
The grass only looks greener on the other side. Sometimes the wheelchair makes it look ‘easy to get by.’ We’ve simply been misunderstood.
These days, the term “privilege” might be used to explain at least some of these hugely varied outcomes. The term is often poorly understood and sometimes misused. But it’s also often based on a solid base of real-life experience. This is certainly true for people with disabilities. Disability is most often a social and financial disadvantage. But that doesn’t mean people with disabilities can’t have and enjoy what in current parlance we call “privilege.”
People with Disabilities have been fighting for their right to be heard, both in their own lives, as well as in the greater community. This fight continues to this day and I want to bring their voices and needs to the forefront. Having direct input in one’s life has a clear effect on overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Learn how you can have an impact on the enhancement of individual lives, and the community, as a whole.
What does being an ally and reducing ableism look like?
Being an ally looks like fighting against bullies, creating awareness, being assertive, and getting your point across effectively. It’s one way of ‘amplifying community voices’. State their case like it is your case.
While interviewing a disabled substitute teacher she said, ‘I think it is important to be able to speak up and explain our physical challenges to co-workers and others around us. As a substitute teacher, I just talk to my students and co-workers about my challenges and explain what my life is like as someone who uses crutches. I have found that people are much less likely to have “ableist” opinions if I share my story first.’
That is what reducing ableism looks like.
How do we get there?
Don’t be a sceptic!
Ask questions. Never assume.
Think before you speak.
Don’t judge by appearances.
Be friendly.
Get social workers, carers, nurses, doctors and family involved.
Effectively address self advocacy in learning or therapy programmes. Self advocacy is a learned skill.
Unintentional Ways to Discourage Advocacy
Bribing is one way to discourage self advocacy in childhood. Masking is another way to discourage self advocacy in adolescents. This includes:
Loss of identity
Suicidal thoughts
Stress and Anxiety
Hand controlling techniques. This makes them feel helpless. This raises concerns about consent. According to statistics, persons with disabilities are more vulnerable to victimisation than people without disabilities. Self Advocacy is a Life Saving Skill.
Don’t Panic
How can we support self advocacy?
No means No!- Respect the No.
Pulling their hand away.
Shaking their head. Non verbal cues.
Communication is key. Sign language also works.
Follow their passions.
Strengths based approach. Instead of asking, ‘What’s Wrong’ ask ‘What’s working Already?’
Make space for them to be a decision maker.
Include goals focussed on:
Boundaries
Emotional Regulation
Preferences
Set up meetings for accountability when promises are made. This includes the education system. This includes integration in the mainstream education system instead of special schools. Special schools still have their place in society but integration is better for the sake of fairness and inclusion.
It’s all about Empowering Yourself. I remember as a College student complaining to the directorate of college about discrimination. The learning support department didn’t seem very efficient to me. IEP meetings can also be a pain. This also encourages disability representation.
Speak with Me Not for Me!
I agree with this video because some people think we’re irrelevant and treat us like we’re invisible. Especially us wheelchair users. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGxVz2jijK8.
Support Self Advocacy for Loved Ones.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities deserve a seat at the table! Just because someone can’t talk doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to say. Freedom of speech or expression shouldn’t be a challenge. Advocacy includes speaking up on other people’s behalf. This could also cover unemployment amongst people with disabilities.
This may include:
Behavioural Support Plans
Person Centred Passports
The service that supports you
This should include a Recruitment Policy, Culture and Structure of an Organisation, and Consultation Process.
There should also be a Partnership Board co-chaired by someone with a disability. It helps to change policy.
Seniors and Self Advocacy
Encouraging seniors to think about their needs and wants to advocate! This includes refugees.
It raises consciousness and helps to organise seniors and local communities. Goals of advocacy should effect change in attitudes, policies, services and actions.
Their needs may include welfare, they may want to work beyond retirement age or become an entrepreneur. Access to healthcare.
Seniors can be or feel marginalised.
Self Advocacy Skills
Be assertive vs Aggressive
Be direct
Be intentional
Be accurate
Healthcare
Relocating
Emotional Needs- Social Isolation
Tips for Advocacy
Be Persistent
Build Effective Coalitions
Advocacy also includes petitions, protests, lobbying, placards, propaganda, elections, party politics, and pressure groups. Being an advocate makes you an agent of change.
People make silly assumptions about people with disabilities. Many people form preconceived ideas about the disabled community at large. From personal experience, here are just a few:
MYTH 1. DISABILITY IS A DEVASTATING PERSONAL TRAGEDY WITH NO CURE.
The Truth- The lives of disabled people are not tragic. The solution to disability is to remove the environmental and attitudinal barriers which are the real causes of the disabling process.
MYTH 2. SOMEONE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION IS LESS INTELLIGENT.
The Truth- There is no connection between mental health and intellectual ability. A quarter of people in the UK will have a mental health condition at some time in their lifetime regardless of their IQ score.
MYTH 3. BLIND PEOPLE ACQUIRE A SIXTH SENSE.
The Truth- Other senses may be used to gain accurate information but there is no such thing as a sixth sense.
MYTH 4. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT ASK PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR DISABILITIES.
The Truth- Some adults find the natural, uninhibited curiosity of children embarrassing. Reprimanding children for asking questions may cause them to think there is something ‘bad’ about disability. Most disabled people will not mind answering a child’s question.
MYTH 5. DISABILITY AND ILLNESS ARE INTERRELATED.
The Truth- Disabled people are not necessarily sick but are subject to the same illnesses as any other person.
MYTH 6. DISABLED PEOPLE ALWAYS NEED HELP AND MAY BE DEPENDENT.
The Truth- Being physically unable to do something does not cause dependency-not being able to drive is solved by using the services of a bus or train company. Disabled people may require different services and it is only when choice over those services is removed that dependency occurs.
MYTH 7. MOST DISABLED PEOPLE ARE UNABLE TO HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS.
The Truth- People with disabilities, like other people, are sexual beings. They can have relationships and children.
MYTH 8. DISABLED PEOPLE ARE BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS.
The Truth- The experience of disability requires an adaptation of lifestyle rather than bravery and courage. It should be viewed, in many ways, as similar to any other significant life event.
MYTH 9. WHEELCHAIR USE IS CONFINING- USERS ARE LITERALLY ‘BOUND’.
The Truth- A wheelchair, like a shoe or a car, is a mobility aid that enables a person to get around. Wheelchair users are restricted by an environment that has been designed for able-bodied living.
MYTH 10. THE EXPECTATIONS OF DISABLED PEOPLE DIFFER FROM OTHERS.
The Truth- Disabled people go to school, work, form relationships, do their laundry, eat, get angry, pay taxes, laugh, have prejudices, vote, plan and dream like anyone else.
So now that I’ve exposed these myths, this article should bring awareness and end the stigma of disablism and ableism.
You must be logged in to post a comment.