Introduction
Kristie Cabrera
Julie Nowak
This disability justice and accessibility guide accompanies the Rising Toolkit from One Billion Rising . This guide was created by Kristie Cabrera and Julie Nowak , who are both disabled accessibility consultants . Before creating an accessible rising , it ’ s important to recognize that ableism is a systemic issue that affects everyone , not just disabled individuals . Ableism shapes not only how people are impacted but also how we internalize ableist beliefs , which in turn influence the way we perceive and interact with disabled people . This document recognizes Talila Lewis ’ working definition of ableism which states that ableism is :
A system of assigning value to people ’ s bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy , productivity , desirability , intelligence , excellence , and fitness . These constructed ideas are deeply rooted in eugenics , anti-Blackness , misogyny , colonialism , imperialism , and capitalism . This systemic oppression that leads to people and society determining people ’ s value based on their culture , age , language , appearance , religion , birth or living place , “ health / wellness ”, and / or their ability to satisfactorily re / produce , “ excel ” and “ behave .” You do not have to be disabled to experience ableism .
When you make the intention to create accessible risings you are actively challenging ableism and working towards a more inclusive society for both disabled and non-disabled people . You can learn more about ableism in Talila Lewis ’ interview on ableism and how it hampers all liberation efforts .