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I try not to be super vulnerable but I feel like I need to be honest about something: don't be like me.
30 years ago, the ADA was passed. Until the possibility of being disabled affected me personally, I did nothing to actively to assist in the fight for disability rights. /
30 years ago, the ADA was passed. Until the possibility of being disabled affected me personally, I did nothing to actively to assist in the fight for disability rights. /
This is a problem. The ADA is absolutely the bare minimum as far as disability rights go.
For the average US resident though, the ADA is unnecessarily hailed as the all-encompassing godsend for disabled folks. It's not. It's the basics.
So why does no one care?
For the average US resident though, the ADA is unnecessarily hailed as the all-encompassing godsend for disabled folks. It's not. It's the basics.
So why does no one care?
For me personally, I had always thought about the ADA providing an equal existence for disabled folks, but it does not. It does not fix the stigma. And it certainly is not enforced everywhere.
So what made me change my mind? Well unfortunately, it had to become personal.
So what made me change my mind? Well unfortunately, it had to become personal.
A few years ago, I went through a horrible flare up of what I thought was just herniated discs (VERY long story short - don't get me started on the healthcare system) but ended up w/ diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
This disease will eventually fuse my hips & spine together
This disease will eventually fuse my hips & spine together
When I have a bad flare up, I cannot walk well. I cannot bend over. I can't sit, can't stand; basically existing is excruciating. Eventually I will likely need a walker/wheelchair because there is no cure.
So, that diagnosis woke me up to the injustices of disability.
So, that diagnosis woke me up to the injustices of disability.
I am ashamed. I'm embarrassed that it took a personal affectation for me to care as much as everyone should about fighting for the rights of disabled folks, because there is still so much to be done.
Please visit these links to educational resources from disabled activists...
Please visit these links to educational resources from disabled activists...
You absolutely must follow Imani. I have learned so so so much from her. https://twitter.com/Imani_Barbarin/status/1287443514607927296?s=19
Another great thread from Imani. If you didn't know disabled people do not have marriage equality, please read. https://twitter.com/Imani_Barbarin/status/1285377129425899521?s=19
Shane is hilarious but also incredibly honest and open about his experiences as a disabled man. His YouTube channel is great, too! PSA that language matters. a quick internet search of "people first vs identify first language" will do you some good. https://twitter.com/shaner528/status/1287587244828745728?s=19
