May 7, 2021
Highlighting Husky Voices Part 1
Disability and the world of the disability community is often forgotten when it comes to individual’s identities and how we see one another. I realized as a disability studies major how hard it can be to define “disability” and “ableism” and wanted to hear from other huskies what they think of when they hear those words. In an attempt to answer these questions, I had sent out a survey asking people about their knowledge regarding disabilities and any experience they may be willing to share. In this week and next week’s blog posts, I will be sharing the thoughts and ideas of fellow huskies in response to the questions I asked. This week I wanted to just focus on asking people how they interpreted popular words in the disability community:
What does the word ‘disability’ or ‘disabled’ mean to you?
“For me, disability means identity, pride, and community. Disability is an integral part of my life that does not define who I am, but has shaped me. Because of my disability, I’ve had unique experiences that have made me more resilient, creative, and kind. I’m not here to be an inspiration, but to do great work and be recognized for my accomplishments. Some people ask “what do you think your life would be like if you weren’t blind?” My answer is that I don’t think about it. My disability is part of who I am, and I wouldn’t be myself without it.”
-Courtney Cole
“Facing more barriers to participating in life than a non-disabled person”
-Disabled CSE Student
“The word disabled is such a huge part of my identity & contributes to who I am. To me, disability means diversity & uniqueness. Disability means connection, unity, equity, inclusion.”
-Bri Harris
“It means that there’s some part of a person’s body is not functioning/working properly. Whether that means, mentally or physically.”
-Quyen Pham
“A person or group that does not fit the societal ideal of a normal “fit” or able body”
-Harley Boyan
“It means an impairment that impedes someone from operating “normally” in society.”
-Ryan D
“Having a physical or mental condition that is limiting because of social conditions that fail to account for “non-normative” experiences and lives.”
-N/A
Have you heard of the term ‘ableism’? Can you share how you would define it or provide an example of ableism?
“To me, ableism means viewing people with disabilities as less than, and setting the able body as the default – as ‘normal’. Ableism can seem innocent. It could be as simple as making assumptions about what someone can or can’t do based on their disability, or helping them without being asked. It could be as big as supporting policies that negatively impact the lives of people with disabilities.”
-Courtney Cole
“Perpetuating stereotypes, institutional and cultural biases that place one human above another.”
-Disabled CSE Student
“Yes! Ableism is discrimination against individuals based off of assumptions of ability. An example of ableism is an individual being denied access to accommodations based off of their appearance or in having an invisible disability.”
-Bri Harris
“When people who are do not have a disability are favored/people with disabilities are purposely mistreated or excluded”
-Quyen Pham
“I have. Ableism is discrimination or lack of opportunities given to those labeled as disabled”
-Harley Boyan
“I think ableism is discriminating against people based on their disabilities. For instance, I think it would be ableist for a business to not provide a ramp or elevator access to their store/building.”
-Ryan D
“Ableism – discrimination (social or institutional or interpersonal) that hierarchizes/privileges/favors abled people over disabled people. (Examples: failing to comply with disability rights law, using ableist slurs, etc.)”
-N/A