The mantra of the disability rights movement has been “nothing about us without us”, but who do they mean by “us”? Disability rights activism was started in the 1960’s primarily by individuals with physical disabilities who were fighting for physical access. We know now that disability intersects class, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, age, and sexual orientation – but are they always represented in the disability advocacy movement?
1. There is no universally agreed upon definition of disability, but it is primarily considered a socially created problem and not an attribute of an individual. How does that mesh with the slogan “nothing about us without us”? Who is the “us”? What does that slogan mean to you?
2. The Gallaudet University controversy happened in 1988, and the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf controversy was just a few months ago. Do these controversies show you anything about the progress the disability rights movement has or has not made?
3. Look at the Britney Spears conservatorship through the lens of intersectionality. Do you believe Britney was treated differently as woman with a mental health disorder than a man would have been with the same circumstances? Was her age a factor? What about her status as a very wealthy woman? Back up your answer with research!
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nothing-about-us-without-us-mantra-for-a-movement_b_59aea450e4b0c50640cd61cf
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/04/03/gallaudet-deaf-president-now-30-anniversary/464611002/
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-nyt-atlanta-school-for-deaf-20211026-nkv6hxfaz5c37b773wctfmmyjy-story.html
