Disability Justice is a concept that has been slowly being part of mainstream activism and advocacy spaces relating to disability. While it is not a new concept, it is an important one that considers the different perspectives and identities within the disability space. Disability Justice is considering the intersectionality of identities from multiple disabilities, cross-disability, and identities such as gender, sex, race, ethnicities, and so many more. It considers the system that we exist in and how it impacts persons with disabilities sparking the need for change.
Disability Justice exists due to how Disability Rights movements have historically excluded cross-disability and intersectional identities to disability. This is largely due to the drive to get into legal and governance systems to recognize their rights. While it has got us to where we are, if we want a society where everyone is included, we need to listen to people whose experiences may not align or have access to the Disability Rights movements.
The 10 principles of Disability Justice is a key concept to understanding what is Disability Justice.The principles are
1. Intersectionality
2. Leadership of Those Most Impacted
3. Anti-Capitalist Politic
4. Commitment to Cross-Movement Organizing
5. Recognizing Wholeness
6. Sustainability
7. Commitment to Cross-Disability Solidarity
8. Interdependence
9. Collective Access
10. Collective Liberation
This is from Sins Invalid, a disability justice-based movement building and performance project. By centering intersectional identities with these 10 principles, we can move towards a movement and a society that is reflective and considerate of the needs of the whole disability community. I would encourage you to learn about the 10 principles of Disability Justice from Sins Invalid which includes a video with ASL Interpretation.
So how can you incorporate disability justice into your work?
Well first, consider that there are different views and needs for a society to be truly inclusive and accessible to someone. In western society, we tend to value independence and productivity and approach solutions to improve those values. But is that what we want to value? How about community and well-being? Why do values have to be measurable to be considered successful? It requires a reflection on what we consider important and why.
Second, learn and listen to people with disabilities with intersectional identities. Many people without disabilities mainly look for “experienced” and more often than not, visible disabilities. But that is not the whole disability community. It is quite diverse and not always visible. Not everyone is offered the same opportunities due to their disability, race, gender, ethnicities, and more. It is not that they are not any less capable or valuable to learn from or include. It is just our systems are designed to look for a specific perspective to be considered good to listen and learn from.
Lastly, it is not going to be linear or perfect in any way to incorporate Disability Justice into our work. It is the same as trying to get an ableist system to consider accessibility. It is going to take time, effort, compassion, and consideration to change and adapt. It will be worth it when we can confidently move forward with all perspectives and needs considered for an accessible and inclusive society.