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Disability Advocacy Lifestyle Personal Growth Personal Story

4 Things I Learned From Speaking On UIC’s Disability Pride Panel

Last week, I had the opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to do. On Thursday, April 1st, 2021, I spoke on a Disability Pride Panel for the Disability and Human Development Undergraduate Student Association at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It was such an incredible experience and I am very grateful to have been asked to be a part of the event.

Because this Disability Pride Panel was hosted by a student organization at UIC, attendance was not open to the public. Though I was disappointed more people didn’t have access to the wonderful dialogue taking place, the small numbers allowed more time for questions and discussion.

Since this was my first time speaking on a panel, specifically a disability pride panel, I thought it would be fruitful to share my thoughts and feelings on the event. By doing so, I hope other institutions and organizations can learn about the importance of events like this one and hopefully host their own versions in the future.

Without further ado, here are the top 4 things I learned from speaking on UIC’s Disability Pride Panel.

Disability Visibility book in grass
Disability Advocacy English Major Corner

Disability Visibility Book Review – Disability Intersectionality Is EVERYTHING

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 experience. That said, my story alone is not going to change the world. Disability Visibility opens up conversations into topics I cannot cover, including cultural, racial, and gender intersectionalities with disability. As a white, average-sized, young, disabled woman, my privileges are vast compared to many others within the disability community. I am grateful for this book because it shed light on perspectives I hadn’t before considered.

a search bar on a red background with the words "ableist language to avoid - 'Bonkers'"
Ableist Language Series Disability Advocacy

Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Bonkers” Edition

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.

Here on The Rolling Explorer, I am going to start questioning it.

Young white disabled woman sitting in a wheelchair on a path in front of a sandy beach leading to Lake Michigan. It is a beautiful sunny day with a blue sky
Disability Advocacy Personal Growth

Top 10 Things to Remember from The Rolling Explorer’s First Year!

Over the past year, I have had to unlearn so many stigmas I believed about myself and the disabled community. Ableism runs DEEP in our society and I still have to correct myself now and again.

That is why I do what I do.

If I, having lived with a disability my entire life, have to unlearn the way I think about the disabled lived condition, you do too.

We all do.

So, whether you’re one of my original subscribers, or brand new to the party this week, let’s look back on the top 10 things you should have learned by following my blog and social media accounts this year.

man in blue and orange flannel behind steering wheel looking out the windshield
Disability Advocacy Travel

Thoughts on Transport: Guest Blog Post on Scope

When I was 10 years old and visiting my first beach they were all I could think about. I had come prepared with my own bucket and spade, ready to take on any challenge that may come my way. The first obstacle presented itself almost immediately after I jumped out of the car. My wheelchair is my mode of transport, but it refused to trudge through the sand, leaving me with two options: