Women’s History Month + Disability

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It’s #WomensHistoryMonth, and amidst the celebration it’s imperative to highlight the often overlooked contributions of Disabled Women.

Judith Heumann

Photo credit: judithheumann.com

Let’s begin by acknowledging the remarkable Judith Heumann.

Currently, there’s a flurry of activity within the disability community:

• Federal and airline recognition of the urgent need to revamp hazardous air transportation practices for wheelchair users.
• Prominent figures in digital accessibility and UX touting AI as a “solution for” accessibility barriers.
• The concerning dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which, contrary to misconception, should encompass disability as a protected group alongside race and other identities.

There’s lots to say on each topic, but it’s essential to first recognize that discussions about inclusion would scarcely include disability if our perceptions had remained those prior to the late 1950s.

However, a pivotal moment occurred when a group of disabled youth convened at a summer camp against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. They collectively rejected the Medical Model of Disability, which bred shame and institutionalization, sparking what would become the Disability Rights Movement in the U.S. Landmark milestones were achieved and Ms. Heumann was at the forefront of many of them, but she was also careful to always remind us there’s still much more to be done.

Ms. Heumann’s memoir, the impactful movie Crip Camp and her thought-provoking TEDx talk are essential viewing. They challenge conventional mindsets, reaffirm what truly matters, and serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusion. I encourage you to know about this phenomenal woman and continue to honor her legacy in what you do.

Stella Young

Photo credit: state.gov

I logged in to LinkedIn to create a post featuring the late Ms. Stella Young and found first in my timeline was a post from LaVant Consulting with a pivotal message that originated with Ms. Young: “Being disabled is not inspirational.”

Ms. Young coined the term “inspiration porn” first in a web article then later in her important TEDx Talk entitled, “I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much.” It describes a harmful form of ableism that objectifies disabled people for the gratification of non-disabled people.

While it’s fantastic that so much content about #disability and #accessibility is being shared lately, it’s also very important to be mindful of the lens through which you consume it. Please take a moment to view Ms. Young’s talk if you haven’t already, and really take in what she and others in the disability community are communicating.

Jessica Oddi

Photo credit: jessicaoddi.com

The final person I wanted to highlight for #WomensHistoryMonth was Jessica Oddi and I see With Not For had the same great idea! Jessica is a web and visual designer whose work is impeccable, current, and inclusive in ways that are almost unmatched.

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Jessica last year when she was a speaker at #a11yTO Conf and have loved getting to know her more ever since.

I’ll warn you that she stays booked and busy 🗓 , but if you get on her calendar you will reap the benefits of the wait. Hire Jessica!