Having multiple disabilities can often be isolating, but I’ve found solace in solidarity. Learning about the rich history of movements fighting for civil rights gives me a context in which to put my own challenges, and empowers me when I feel most downtrodden. Continue reading
I’ve written frequently on my blog about movements and cultural models that have inspired me — the neurodiversity movement and the social model of disability, to name a few. Another movement that has been extremely helpful is the recovery model of mental illness. Continue reading
Earlier this week I talked about how the social model of disability revolutionized my life. Today I’d like to talk about another concept that did the same: the neurodiversity movement. Continue reading
Hidden disabilities include any which, as their name suggests, aren’t readily apparent. Chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, epilepsy — all fall under this category and affect millions of people on a daily basis. Continue reading
Self help mantras abound in our society about “cultivating an attitude of gratitude,” cute rhyme and all. And while I won’t discount the value of gratitude practice in our lives, I definitely think it has a shadow side. Continue reading
For most of my life, I looked at my disabilities through the lens of a medical model: there was something broken about me, and I just had to suck it up and deal with it. But as I got older and the bravado of my youth faded, I began to feel more vulnerable, more disenfranchised, and — yes — angry. Continue reading
To kick off the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge, I’d like to talk about the important subject and task of avoiding ableist language.
Writer Parker Marie Molloy defines ableist language as “any word or phrase that intentionally or inadvertently targets an individual with a disability” in a pejorative way. Continue reading
Jenn Crowell 