The world can be a difficult place for a disabled person. Public spaces aren’t always designed keeping us in mind, and sometimes we feel as though we need to prove that we do, in fact, have a disability.
If you are a non-disabled person, you might not think much of this sentiment. However, when you’re disabled, this sentiment is what you think of every day and what you strive for every waking hour.
The world can be a difficult place for a disabled person. Public spaces aren’t always designed keeping us in mind, and sometimes we feel as though we need to prove that we do, in fact, have a disability. On the surface, we may seem like ducks, serenely gliding over a pond. However, take a look beneath, and you will see us paddling energetically to match the pace of our peers.
Sure, the end of the year is all about that crisp air, Christmas lights, and a lot of festive joy, but this time is also an opportunity for us to look back on the long history of disability activism and learn more about how we can support disabled and neurodiverse people that we come across in our lives. November 16-December 16 is Disability History Month!
As Chair of the Disabled Students Liberation Network, I aim to campaign for a better understanding of disabilities at the University of Greenwich. Along with management, I aim to bring together disabled students for social events and ensure that our voices are heard and respected.
Finally, remember that Disability History Month is about looking forward as much as it is about looking back. While we honour the struggles of disabled people before us and celebrate their victories, let us all take a step forward to be mindful and considerate towards every person we come across.