When organizations say “all are welcome,” what they often mean is “some.” This piece explores how disability exclusion is rarely malicious – but frequently chosen – through neglect, inaccessible systems, and conditional access disguised as inclusion.
The Feel-Good Trap There’s a particular kind of silence that only follows when a stranger calls you a hero. A silence that stretches and strains – not out of awe, but out of awkwardness. We were in a small-town shop when an older man walked up and pointed directly at the person I was with. […]
There are stories that ache to be told. And then there are stories so heavy, so disbelieved, so misrepresented, that telling them might destroy the person who lived them. This is one of those stories. The Weight of Surviving I woke up thinking about the story I rarely speak aloud. A story of trauma, abuse, […]
Choice is a fundamental part of being human. Whether it’s deciding who to be around, where to live, what to do with your free time – choice is woven into the fabric of daily life. For many individuals (especially those with disabilities, mental health conditions, or other marginalized experiences) choice isn’t always a given. In […]
Let’s be honest – dealing with the people around the person with a disability is often half the battle. Some families and support teams are deeply engaged, educated, and proactive. Others are overwhelmed, struggling to even know where to start. Then there are those who, despite the best of intentions, have wildly different ideas about […]
Complacency is a dangerous thing. It sneaks in when we assume progress is permanent, when we believe rights are secure, and when we ignore the steady chipping away of hard-won equity. Make no mistake, complacency is being weaponized against disenfranchised communities right now. As the landscape shifts, the need for strong voices – voices that […]
Imagine a young athlete (perhaps a little Argentinian named Messi or a young baller named Lebron) with immense potential, but limited-to-no opportunities to develop as a player. Their family is eager to help, but unsure how to navigate the complex systems of advocacy and program development. Meanwhile, a national organization wants to grow its sports […]
In the world of disability advocacy, trust, clarity, and authentic communication are, of course, super important. But sometimes, honesty can feel like a high-wire act – one wrong move, and you’re plummeting into the land of awkward and unintentionally offensive. It’s one thing to speak your truth and it’s another to do so in a […]
For many people with disabilities (or those who love and support them) the “car” we’re chasing might represent an inclusive education, an accessible workplace, equitable healthcare, or a sense of independence. When we finally catch up to these goals, we sometimes find ourselves unsure of the next step. We’re told to dream big, to aim […]