Category: Disability Advocacy
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Disability Visibility Book Review – Disability Intersectionality Is EVERYTHING
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This book is outstanding. If you are at all interested in learning more about the disabled lived condition, it is simply a must-read. If you’re following me on social media or subscribe to my blog’s mailing list, I am so grateful for your support and interest in my story and…
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Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Cripple” Edition
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The issue with “cripple” becomes painfully obvious once you place its original definition next to the ones that we, as a society, have crafted above. Stemming from the Old English words “crypel,” meaning to creep (ie. limp) and “creopere,” or someone that creeps (ie. limps), you can see that the…
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Everything You Need To Know About Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) In 2021
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month or NDEAM. This article will answer the following questions: What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month? Why do we celebrate NDEAM in the US? How can I participate? Why do people with disabilities celebrate both NDEAM and Disability Pride Month (July)? How can…
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Stop The Ableist Response to the First Presidential Debate of 2020
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The Presidential Debate on Tuesday night was embarrassing to watch as an American citizen for many reasons. But, almost more troubling than the screaming match itself was America’s response to the two candidates. To the best of my ability, I intend for this article to be unbiased in nature. Many…
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Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Crazy” Edition
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Similarly to Bonkers, crazy has a long, historic connection with mental illness. Crazy is frequently used to discredit others and essentially gaslight them into thinking that they are burdensome in some way. Regardless of intention, anytime you use the word crazy to describe another human being you are attempting to…
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Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Confined To A Wheelchair” Edition
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When you talk about a group of people as being confined, you assess that they are not in control of themselves or their lives. You take away their voice and their worth. Essentially, you equate them to an object. Something that cannot think or motivate itself in any capacity.
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Learning How To Drive As An Amputee
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I grew up in a small, farming community, so driver’s education is a part of the high school curriculum. The big question on the table was whether or not I would be participating in the behind-the-wheel portion of the class and learning how to drive with the rest of my…
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Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Blind” Edition
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Raise your hand if you have heard or said any one of the following sentences in the past week. “My friend set me up on a blind date this afternoon.” “Are you blind? The remote is right in front of you!” “Ugh, I swear I am blind without my glasses!”
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Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Bonkers” Edition
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Ableist language perpetuates the inferiority of people with disabilities. At its core, it is oppressive, derogatory, and hurtful, no matter the intention behind its usage. I guarantee that you use ableist language every single day without even realizing it. It rolls off the tongue naturally because it’s hardly ever questioned.…
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Where Are The Mobility Aids In The Fashion And Entertainment Industries?
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Up until last fall, I hardly ever let my picture be taken sitting down. Part of the reasoning was my aversion to showing off my stomach rolls. I’ve always struggled with body image, and if I had nothing to block my tummy from view, I was guaranteed to be self-conscious.…