Embracing Disability Justice in the Black Community

"Ableism is connected to all of our struggles because it undergirds notions of whose bodies are considered valuable, desirable, and disposable." 

The poverty rate for Black adults with disabilities is nearly 40%—an economic disparity that severely limits access to secure housing and quality healthcare, including necessary disability-related services. A lack of cultural competence in research and medicine, along with stigma within the Black community, further widens the gap in understanding and addressing how disabilities affect Black families, even though the CDC has estimated that 1 in 4 Black adults have a disability. By embracing disability justice, we acknowledge the dignity of all people and commit to dismantling the systems that devalue disabled lives.

Disability justice is an intersectional framework that recognizes the diverse experiences of disabled people and is grounded in collective liberation, anti-capitalism, and cross-movement organizing. It prioritizes an expectation of difference in disability, identity, and culture, challenging us to rethink the value we place on different bodies and abilities. Black people with disabilities face unique challenges as they navigate a world shaped by both systemic racism and ableism. 

This dual marginalization amplifies barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion. Highlighting these intersections is essential in understanding the full scope of disability justice. As Mia Mingus, educator and trainer for transformative justice and disability justice, stated, "We cannot fight for liberation without a deep, clear understanding of disability, ableism, and disability justice. The bodies of our communities are under siege by forces that leverage violence and ableism at every turn." 

Disability justice advocates for building networks of support within the Black community to provide resources, education, and mutual aid. This includes fostering spaces where individuals can share their experiences and strategies for managing their conditions.

1. Policy Change: Advocating for policies that address healthcare disparities, provide adequate funding for disability services, and ensure accessible and equitable care for all individuals.

2. Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about invisible disabilities through community education initiatives, reducing stigma, and promoting a better understanding of these conditions.

3. Cultural Competence in Healthcare: Training healthcare providers in cultural competence to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support for Black individuals with invisible disabilities.

Disability Justice calls us to acknowledge that ableism is intertwined with other forms of oppression, shaping notions of worth and belonging. Understanding this is crucial for addressing the often-overlooked erasure of Black disabled people in broader disability and social justice movements.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, it's also important to recognize National Disability Independence Day on July 26th, which marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation has played a crucial role in promoting accessibility and rights for people with disabilities, but there is still work to do. Observing this day reminds us of the ongoing struggle for equality and the need to continue advocating for a more inclusive society.

You can learn more about disability justice in observance of Disability Pride Month by following these organizations, initiatives, and advocates: HEARD, Imani Barbarin, Disability Inclusion Fund, Black Deaf Project, Embraced Body, and National Black Disability Coalition. And remember to:

• Buy from Disabled Creatives.

• Engage in local and national advocacy efforts to push for policies that promote accessibility and the rights of people with disabilities.

• Use hashtags like #DisabilityPride and #DisabilityPrideMonth to amplify the voices of disabled people and share their stories widely.