Ways to Make the Disability Community Inclusive
Throughout my time as a disability advocate, I've delved deeply into understanding the disability community, grappling with the concept of ableism and its impact, and fighting for disability rights. I cherish the knowledge I've acquired and the opportunity to enlighten others because raising awareness is one of the most important steps in making effective change.
However, I must acknowledge that my advocacy journey has been challenging. The ableism I encounter can be overwhelming, but what truly weighs on me is the occasional lack of support from within the disability community itself, often due to my identity as a Black woman. While it's true that discrimination and oppression are prevalent within the disability community, instances of racism further compound the disconnect experienced by many disabled people of color.
My activism is through social media, recognizing its broad reach and effectiveness in fostering dialogue on disability issues. Over time, I've observed unwarranted attacks from some non-Black disabled individuals. Initially, I brushed them off, but as they persisted, my mental health started to suffer. It felt as though no matter how careful I crafted my posts, how inclusive I strived to be, or even if I altered my advocacy approach, it was never enough for them. I found myself under constant criticism, often without constructive feedback.
In my quest to understand this disparity, I noticed that non-Black disabled advocates who shared similar content rarely faced the same level of hostility that I did. If they did encounter criticism, it was typically from able-bodied individuals perpetuating ableism. I couldn't understand the difference in our approaches until I witnessed a Black disabled advocate undergo similar attacks that I did. She spoke on the lack of inclusivity within the disability community and the affects of that. She articulated the unique challenges faced by Black disabled individuals, highlighting the lack of support and representation. While her perspective was met with disagreements and attacks, it also helped other voices from disabled people of color to share their own struggles with connecting with the disability community. This revelation affirmed that my experiences weren't a result of inadequacy but rather a consequence of my identity.
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Become an Advocate
As we strive for inclusivity and endeavor to mitigate ableism, it's important that we prioritize diversity within the disability community. We must create safe spaces that embrace individuals with intersecting identities and offer unwavering support. Here are some actionable steps to foster inclusivity:
- Acknowledgment of Intersectionality: Recognize and acknowledge the intersectionality of race and disability. Understand that the experiences of disabled people of color, especially Black disabled people, are shaped by both racial discrimination and ableism, and that these intersecting identities influence their lived experiences.
- Promote Accurate Representation: Showcase a diverse range of disabled individuals, including people of color, to accurately reflect the diversity within the disability community.
- Intersectional Advocacy: Advocate for policies and initiatives that address the intersecting barriers faced by disabled people of color, such as healthcare disparities, educational inequities, and employment discrimination. Collaborate with other social justice movements to advance intersectional advocacy efforts.
- Amplify Voices of Color: Elevate the voices of disabled people of color by providing platforms for them to share their narratives and experiences. Their perspectives are invaluable in shaping a more inclusive discourse on disability rights.
- Continued Reflection and Improvement: Be open to feedback, acknowledge areas for improvement, and commit to ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.