Having lived with disability for most of my life, ones that are not always visible. What I have seen time and time again, having worked in event and not for profit spaces, that many who spout inclusive diatribe do NOTHING to be inclusive in real time.
These are my thoughts from what I have experienced over so many years.
It’s all Words For The Funding & Brownie Point
Disability advocacy is for some about the funding, for others its about the right image, but mostly it’s not about making life better, more accessible for people living with disabilities. We are inconvenient until world disability day where every not for profit, advocacy group will roll out some nice sounding post on their socials.
A post that says we should do this, disabled people deserve love, deserve a voice and a whole lot of trope they trot out seasonally. They add nice visuals and pat themselves on the back and forget us unless they are paid, until the next time. Rinse and repeat.
They Forget Inclusivity Takes Thoughtfulness
These adamant on world disability day folks forget how easy it is to build inclusivity into everyday activities with a little thought. If you add accessibility to your everyday thinking, you may actually make a difference, if you want to that is.
Stairs as the only access, no quiet rooms for sound sensitive folks, floor seating only excluding people that are unable to easily sit so low. Websites that have zero accessibility, and the list goes on. Where I am currently living I have not been to one event that I would call accessible.
And the solution I have been offered, just stay home then we will go without you. No in between. This is not inclusivity, its gatekeeping and dismissive. Its a battle that I have fought in many countries.
Disability As An Inconvenience
Do you know what its like to be treated as an inconvenience for having a physical difference? One that makes this world difficult to navigate but Its out of your control?
I have been bullied, intentionally baited to make me feel worse, told that I use my disability as an excuse when I have tried to share my experience. I have been told I don’t have a disability I just need to try harder, and been laughed at when I struggled, simply a joke.
All from activists and people that work in the not for profit spaces, some who advertise they work for the rights of disabled folks. Go figure.
I have one message for everyone on behalf of people with disabilities. DO BETTER. Stop paying lip service to your advocacy and actually do something to better lives, and you might find out that we are awesome people too. Once you get past your preconceived judgements.
Peace Out