Embracing the Leaders in Disability

It never ceases to amaze me how many people I encounter who opt to lecture rather than inquire about a topic they haven't even bothered to search! They'll go out of their way to emphasise that they don't personally identify as disabled, only to then proceed to spout off everything they think they know about disability. They're essentially talking nonsense while disregarding over fifty years of my experience, a thirty-five-year career in disability equality training, and a decade of academic pursuit (that’s a whopping 5,200 hours of study!?! And approximately 3000 texts!).

Not only is this behaviour irksome, but it's downright rude! This wilful ignorance is occasionally topped by those who, having seen a programme on disability, the Social Model, or the Disabled People's Movement — possibly through a passing tweet or post — declare that they don’t believe in SUCH ideas. Seriously?! As if the invaluable contributions to professional wisdom, research, and the arts by the disabled population were mere mythical legends or ancient deities! Thousands of dedicated Disabled individuals have significantly contributed to understanding, knowledge, and professionalism across all fields and disciplines. The depth and breadth Disability as a subject defies any one person’s capacity to fully grasp it. The sheer volume of blogs, books, and papers exploring its complexities could fill libraries. Yet here we have Joe Bloggs, confidently rejecting the Social Model! Or is it that his ableism, the misguided belief that being more able equates to knowing more, is so deeply ingrained that he instinctively responds with a sense of assumed superiority? 

It felt incredibly important to share my discovery of the Social Model, hence why in ‘Finding Movement’ I share my journey to the Disabled People's movement and D/deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations. Do note how many individuals feel entitled to cherry-pick this Distory. What truly matters is the profound significance it holds for countless disabled individuals, not whether their non-disabled colleagues agree or not.

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My understanding of disability underwent a profound shift during a training session I attended at the invitation of a friend. The session, led by a Disabled activist, introduced me to the Disabled People's Movement, Disabled People’s Ideas, and D/deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations. It was a pivotal moment that left a lasting impact on me, prompting a visceral reaction that brought me to tears over the following weekend.


Sketch of a woman with a cane leading conversation about disabilty


sketch of a woman with a cane leading a conversation


Before that afternoon, my perspective on disability was largely shaped by my personal experiences. I had always believed that the challenges I faced were a result of my own limitations, not realising that society played a significant role in creating barriers for Disabled individuals. I had been focused on raising awareness about disability from an individual standpoint, aiming to demystify impairment rather than confront the broader societal issues of discrimination and inequality.


However, during the training session, I came to the stark realising that Disability Awareness, as I had understood it, was just scratching the surface. The facilitator's message about the systemic nature of disability oppression [now defined as ableism ] hit me with the force of a revelation. It became clear to me that Disability Awareness was merely a starting point, and true progress required addressing the deep-rooted cultural and institutional barriers that perpetuate discrimination.


I had been unaware of the collective efforts of Disabled people who were coming together to challenge the injustices they faced. From education to healthcare, Disabled individuals encountered prejudice, discrimination, and systemic inequalities on a daily basis. The scale of the problem was immense, affecting millions of people, yet it often went unnoticed or ignored by society at large.


Understanding and acknowledging this shared experience was not without its challenges. Many Disabled individuals, myself included, often felt isolated and invisible in a society that failed to recognise their struggles. It is difficult to speak out against discrimination when societal barriers prevent us from connecting with one another and organising effectively.


Yet, as I delved deeper into the history of the Disabled People's Movement, I was inspired by the resilience and determination of those who had come before me. Organisations like the Union of Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS) had laid the groundwork for collective action, advocating for the inclusion of Disabled people in mainstream society.


The journey towards disability rights and inclusion has been marked by both progress and setbacks. Geographical differences, communication barriers, and varying language around disability have all played a role in shaping the 

Movement. Despite these challenges, Disabled activists have continued to fight for their rights, refusing to be silenced or sidelined by society.


As I reflect on my own journey of understanding, I am filled with gratitude for the activists who paved the way for future generations. Their tireless efforts have brought us closer to a more equitable society, but there is still much work to be done.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CW1JHXYD


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