Kimberlé Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality has become a valued framework for understanding how various aspects of identity overlap and interact with one another, shaping individuals’ experiences and opportunities received within a society. The theory highlights how identity does not exist independently and is composed of various interconnected elements including race, gender, class, and disability. Hence these elements intersect and influence one another, creating unique experiences and challenges for individuals. Disability, as an identity marker, intersects with other factors to shape a person’s lived reality in profound ways. Connecting to 3 video examples, I will delve into reflections on how disability intersects with these identity factors, examining the complex ways in which individuals with disabilities navigate societal structures.
When we consider the intersection of disability and race, disparities become apparent. People of colour with disabilities often face further discrimination and marginalisation. Studies show that they encounter greater barriers in accessing healthcare, employment opportunities, and education compared to their white counterparts with disabilities. For instance, African American children with disabilities are disproportionately disciplined in schools, reflecting biases that stem from the intersection of race and disability. Ade Adepitan, an Olympic wheelchair basketball player, eloquently shares that “if we give opportunities to shine… the sky is the limit”. This is applicable to disability, race, gender, and class and highlights that we would be doing a disservice to not only individuals if opportunities were not presented but to society. The question is however what constitutes an “opportunity to shine”? Is it exposure to, in the case of Paralympians, different sports which may be on the parameter of the mainstream? Is it funding for development and if so how much? One challenge I have is how this invites the perspective of those giving opportunities and those receiving opportunities which arguably could fuel power structures. How can we potentially combat this?
Another point which Adepitan raises is that what makes people disabled is not their disability- it is society. This is a really interesting perspective which reminds me of a conversation I had with a designer who designs for wheelchair users. She used to be a wheelchair user and regularly speaks to this demographic for research into her collections. She said she doesn’t like the word disability – she prefers different abilities or differently abled. Through her explanation there was a real sense of pride in diverse abilities which I found inspiring and which leads me to ask about language: should we even call the term “disability”? Also when speaking of “society” it is such a general term and I think we need to be more nuanced when speaking about solutions and being more inclusive.
Christine Sun Kim in “Friends & Strangers” makes the point that “people say a lot of sh*t to me” and it seems this is largely because they don’t understand the experience of other abilities which is why educating and hearing from those that are differently abled is critical. This video showed how it is clear how gender identity also intersects with disability, impacting individuals differently based on societal perceptions. Women with disabilities often experience unique challenges, such as higher rates of domestic violence and inadequate healthcare access. Moreover, transgender individuals with disabilities face further barriers in accessing gender-affirming healthcare and encounter discrimination in employment due to intersecting prejudices.
Watching these 3 videos has triggered new questions, feelings, and the need to integrate more differently abled voices to our MA curriculum in order to make the change in “society” we very much need.
Beginning with explaining intersectionality and the theory behind it really helps structure the blog post. It helps set you up for what’s to come. Interesting example about African American students getting disciplined more in schools compared to white students.- could have included some numerical data or statistics perhaps? Great questioning of how we can give the “opportunity to shine” for disabled people- sharing both sides of the argument and asking important questions about how to approach equality. Using a real-life conversation and real-world situation about the wheelchair designer really helps to promote Adepitan’s point about society being the issue. I really liked the wording of “different abilities” or “differently abled”. Good point about women with disabilities experiencing higher rates of domestic violence. Overall a very interesting read with some great real-world examples and an engaging and insightful take on the interviews. I’ll definitely be trying to include some of my conversations with peers and colleagues that relate to future blog posts as it gives the reader a more personal perspective which is important when talking about sensitive issues.
Good point on adding the stats to back up statements! Thanks for your feedback. I really enjoyed the videos and addressing them in this dynamic way through the blog posts although it is a challenge at times given how big the topics are! As always, more questions than answers which is the beauty in education!
I really appreciated the view on the disparity that can you highlight in the demographics of disability, and how the use of language is, marginalizing for a person of disability. Disability as a term, is used to describe a spectrum of different abilities, that maybe seen or unseen. This is how the law defines disability: A person is disabled if: ‘they have a ‘physical or mental impairment’ the impairment ‘has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’. (ACAS 2023). The use of the word ‘normal’ feels un-inclusive, and a discriminatory term. This made me question whether I had used language in my own blog that was or could be viewed as non-inclusive, so I looked up the government guidelines, (Inclusive Language:) and discovered that I had used a certain term, (I changed my positionality from able-bodied to non-disabled). Thank you for that insight! GG x
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful reflection! Engaging with the nuances of language is so important when striving to be more inclusive. Language can indeed have a profound impact, and one’s willingness to re-examine terms does seem to show a commitment towards further understanding.
Hi Nina,
I was really intrigued by how you connected with these three videos. They offer a different perspective on dealing with individuals with disabilities, highlighting their unique experiences and challenges. Seeing how they navigate a world with limited opportunities and support makes me truly grateful for what I have.
When I watched the video by Ade Adepitan, I wholeheartedly agreed with his statement: “What makes people disabled is not their disability – it is society.” This powerful statement underscores how society creates disability by failing to provide inclusive and accommodating environments. It made me realise the importance of recognising and dismantling societal barriers to create a more inclusive world where individuals with disabilities are empowered to participate fully and equally. This approach advocates for systemic changes, such as improved accessibility standards, inclusive education, and policies that promote equal opportunities, thereby transforming the environment rather than attempting to “fix” the individual.
I really enjoyed your post, thank you!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I’m glad the videos resonated with you as well. Ade Adepitan’s statement is indeed powerful, highlighting the critical role society plays in creating or dismantling barriers. Your insights added value to the conversation, and I appreciate your perspective on transforming environments to empower individuals with disabilities.
Hi Nina,
I was really intrigued by how you connected with these three videos. They offer a different perspective on dealing with individuals with disabilities, highlighting their unique experiences and challenges. Seeing how they navigate a world with limited opportunities and support makes me truly grateful for what I have.
When I watched the video by Ade Adepitan, I wholeheartedly agreed with his statement: “What makes people disabled is not their disability – it is society.” This powerful statement underscores how society creates disability by failing to provide inclusive and accommodating environments. It made me realise the importance of recognising and dismantling societal barriers to create a more inclusive world where individuals with disabilities are empowered to participate fully and equally. This approach advocates for systemic changes, such as improved accessibility standards, inclusive education, and policies that promote equal opportunities, thereby transforming the environment rather than attempting to “fix” the individual.
I really enjoyed your post, thank you!