The Idea of the Week
Disability Pride [article] promotes visibility and inclusivity, celebrates disability culture and people’s unique experiences, and challenges systemic ableism.
Disabilities tend to be labeled under two broad categories: invisible and visible. This 15-minute video shares the differences between visible and invisible disabilities.
- Invisible disabilities are considered disabilities that can be hidden from view. For example, mental health disabilities are often labeled as invisible.
- Visible disabilities are considered disabilities that can be noticed due to an indicator. For example, disabilities that require mobility aids are often labeled as visible. However, many disabilities that are typically considered visible disabilities may not have an indicator.
Verywellmind highlights a key point when Learning to Accept a Visible Disability This Disability Pride Month [article]:
“If you’re somewhere on the path to identifying with disability, or are supporting someone who is, it’s important to keep in mind that the process is complicated and intersects with both your physical and mental health.”
Practice of the Week
One way we can support Disability Pride is by understanding What is Ableism? [article]. Ableism is discrimination, intentional or not, against people with disabilities. Ableism is generally broken down into two categories: physical ableism and mental ableism.
- Physical ableism is discrimination against people with physical disabilities.
- Mental ableism is discrimination against people who have a mental disorder, are neurodivergent, or have developmental disabilities.
Here a few other ways to support and celebrate Disability Pride Month are to:
- attend a Disability Pride event;
- stand up for inclusion and accessibility;
- follow disability blogs and publications;
- read books by disabled authors;
- support disabled content creators.
This week, we’re highlighting 5 content creators with differing abilities who you can follow on Instagram, subscribe to on YouTube, or watch on Twitch:
- Visually Impaired Designer is a YouTube channel by “Angela, a user experience and graphic designer who just so happens to be visually impaired! [Their] specialty is on visual impairment and how designers can improve products and services for a wider range of people regardless of their certain circumstances.”
- @tripplecripples on Instagram is a “Groundbreaking Platform for & by Disabled, Black & Non-Black, Women, Femmes & Non-Binary POC!”
- Sign Duo is a YouTube channel by Ryan and Ellen, a “signing couple showing the world Deaf and Hearing relationships work!”
- @paigelayle is an autistic TikTok creator (also on YouTube) who discusses autism, misconceptions, stereotypes, and daily life on the spectrum.
- SteveInSpawn is a “disabled variety streamer [on Twitch] who focuses on Fortnite, Rocket League, and whatever else his friends are enjoying.”
The Thought of the Week
Wishing you a peaceful week!
