Uniting our Efforts in the Fight Against Ableism

Uniting our Efforts in the Fight Against Ableism

Whenever we try to understand or classify groups of people as monoliths, conflict inevitably arises. It’s rarely deliberate, but it’s an inherently human trait to create tribes, competition, and hierarchy as a means of understanding – even if it often has the opposite effect.

Working in this field, I’ve seen an unspoken rivalry emerge between those with acquired disabilities and those with congenital disabilities. It’s so disappointing because it hinders any progress made and often splinters groups of advocates who are ultimately fighting for the same cause.

Ableism can surface in many ways, even amongst people with disabilities. This often stems from internalised fear and feelings of inadequacy, people with disabilities grow frustrated and end up lashing out against those in similar situations, creating schisms as we fight amongst ourselves for the chance to speak up, represent our struggle, and try to drive change.

Using our Superpowers to Help Others

One wonderful thing that has become apparent recently is the visibility of people with disabilities across various industries and fields – particularly within sports. Just look at Kurt Fearnley, Geoff Trappett, Dylan Allcot or Lisa Cox. Each of these people are champions in their sport, but they also recognise that it’s never only about sport – it’s about empowering others.

I applaud and support the work these people do because they’re amplifying the fight to highlight our humanity using their platforms to reach a wider audience.. Not recognising our humanity is fundamental to why we’re often treated differently or dismissed.  Some people fail to acknowledge or recognise the person behind the disability

It’s great to see para-athletes advocating the cause, bringing attention, acknowledgement and even attracting resources to empower others with disabilities. But the fact we only really hear from athletes illustrates how our culture idolises sports stars. However, when trying to normalise and demystify the notion of having a disability, it’s difficult to get a true reflection if audiences only see one dimension of our multi-faceted community.

What we often don’t see is the powerhouse people who are every day doing fantastic things to empower others- people like Christina Ryan, Leah Van Poppel – and many others who you don’t know because of the lack of a sporting profile. Let’s face it, particularly in Australia, if you are successful in sport you have a better chance of influencing than others. 

I cannot speak for everyone in this space, but I can say openly that I am not defined by my disability but rather am proud of who I am because of my disability. It has given me a great career.

However, it’s very easy for audiences and advocacy groups to focus on the disability rather than the larger issues that people with disabilities face – such as systemic ableism and the lack of access to health, justice, education, housing, employment and decision-making processes.

Amplifying the Voices of Everyday People

It’s a common issue that we face as a society – people in charge deciding what’s an acceptable person, face, and personality that can represent a specific group. Here in Australia, people with disabilities are generally represented by athletes because it helps audiences relate.  They have an idealised version of the work need to be a champion whether they have a disability or not.

The percentage of people with disabilities who achieve sporting excellence is probably the same as it is in the mainstream community. However, we learn, work and play in all spaces and not all of us want or need fanfare. We just want to be accepted as equal members of society.

When people with disabilities are included in the decision-making process, developing and implementing policies and practices as well as working on the design of various services and systems that we use every day.

For example, when designing public transport infrastructure, we have heard from a variety of people.  That is why I have been so proud of the work I do at the Department of Transport and Planning.  We bring people with a variety of visible and invisible disabilities and accessibility needs together with those designing and building our trains and trams to ensure that they are truly accessible.  This has worked brilliantly, and we all have ownership. 

Intersectionality and Innovation

No two people are the same, even those who have the same disability. Neither are we just defined by our disabilities – I can be a woman with a disability from an LGBTQI+ - the important thing is that I am able to turn up as my authentic self, alongside my colleagues and others in the community. 

Do we ensure that the intersectional voices are also heard? Do we recognise the challenges of being a minority within a minority. That’s why we need to be more holistic in how we view disability, amplifying the stories and experiences of those historically ignored or forced to choose between identities.

For example, the Divas with Disabilities Project is a digital movement and community committed to increasing the participation and representation of Black and brown women and girls with disabilities. Their mission is to amplify these women’s voices, providing a supportive community network that drives inclusion and highlights their unique experiences.

I admire movements like this as they illustrate the importance of representation and finding a real sense of belonging. Some traditional disability advocacy groups haven’t always been conscious of the importance of intersectionality. And while minority-based groups like this could be viewed as further division and tribalism – it’s much more about developing a deeper understanding of the unique people and perspectives that comprise our cause. And of course, I have been thrilled that they recognise that I am an ally and I look forward to catching up when I am in the USA next year.

Collaboration and Camaraderie Amongst Us

The best advocates for people with disabilities are those who understand the value of working collaboratively, bringing in a diverse range of people to share their experiences and learn from one another. No single person has all the answers and the only way to find an equitable solution is to expand our understanding of the challenges we face through inclusion and empathy.

 People with disabilities may have different struggles and experiences, but we need to find a way to include all the voices if we’re to be heard and drive change. Part of that mission means having our representatives like me acknowledge our privilege, welcoming those that haven’t enjoyed the same type of visibility and elevating those who are often ignored.

We need to eliminate competition amongst us. This can be challenging as I’ve seen firsthand how those with congenital disabilities can feel ignored by those with acquired disabilities, that their struggle is worse because they used to be “normal”.  We know that advantage is given to those with acquired disabilities by the mainstream community.

However, those with acquired disabilities may also have to overcome a grieving process and the loss of their previous lives.  Some with congenital disabilities also feel that same sense of loss as our bodies deteriorate.  It is sometimes assumed that having a disability is a static thing.  It is not.  I used to be able to walk.  Not well of course, but I could walk unaided.

Varying Experiences and the Importance of Allyship

I will always be passionate about advocating for people with disabilities – acquired or congenital.  I will celebrate the achievement of others whether on the sporting field or in academia or as authors or as advocates.  I will advocate for allies to support an end of ableism. 

I’m nearly 70 and I really don’t need to work, but I find work stimulating, enjoyable and gives me a sense of purpose when I am able to empower others. 

There’s still so much work to do to end ableism and provide a better life for all of us.  Ableism remains a blight that all of us face, but part of defeating it comes through allyship. Having a disability has given me a clearer picture of what it’s like to live on society’s outskirts, which is why I’m an ally to First Nations People, refugees, the LGBTQI+ community, and to people of colour.

We’re all fighting to be heard, and why we should support one another rather the fight against others ourselves. But we must also amplify all voices, not just the ones that society deems acceptable. If our various communities can put aside differences and approach each struggle with empathy, we could be unstoppable in bringing about equality and compassion. As Martin Luther King put it – “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”.

This photo shows me at a Crippled Children's Society function (yes that is what it was called) I was seen as the acceptable face of disability when I was a child, and I still am now.  This must end. We should all be accepted.