Advocacy is thrilling, satisfying and greatly empowering, especially for me as a person with a disability. However, it can also be draining and frustrating at times. We, as a disability community are not only politically under-represented but also under-developed and under-powered as well.
I see four main challenges, so far:
1) People see us as complainers, as negative and bitter beings. Often, we are considered to be obsessed with self-pity. It acts as a resistance for many people with disabilities to ask for their rights without being apologetic. We need to form a cooperative network of activists who identify themselves as a part of a large community, whilst actively participating in common goals and aspirations.
2) Disability is Diverse
There are many vastly different disability issues, all equally important but some are covered and talked about more than others. From ramps to sign language and employment opportunities to healthcare. There are wide range of issues to think about which makes it difficult to prioritize. This then causes millions of people with disabilities to feel ignored or sidelined.
3) Hierarchy within the Disability Community.
The communities and organizations are committed for full inclusion. However, on ground ideals, we are struggling to live upto these ideals. For example, the divide between physical disabilities and mental or cognitive disabilities is pretty evident. Moreover: race, gender, sexuality, education, wealth and other identities also play a huge role in generating strong division amongst disability communities.
4) Accessibility or disability issues are not sufficiently discussed and debated.
In India, I have never come across any political party or candidate saying anything about how inaccessible our buildings, education system, transportation and healthcare facilities are. There needs to be more conversation around these issues in order for there to be action and this applies to all countries to a greater or lesser degree.
What I (and we) should aim to do:
* Strive to bring thorough inclusion and unity within the disability community.
* Expand, collaborate and work together on other issues that aren’t exclusively disability related such as climate change.
* Remind ourselves: we are not fighting against each other. Their loss is not our win or vice-versa. We can all win together and that victory will be truly an inclusive one.
You can connect with me on the following social media platforms:
1) LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/puneet-singhal/
2) Twitter- https://twitter.com/puneetsinghal22
3) Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/futureace10/
Regards,
Puneet Singh
Thanks to Shades of Different for giving a platform to my voice.
It is an absolute pleasure dear Puneet!
Thank you Puneet, you raise some very good points about the disabled community itself being divided. I liked your call for those with disabilities to collectively be active on issues such as climate change, this would certainly raise their profile generally in the community and break down many of the stereotypes. I wish you well with getting equality and diversity on the political agenda in India.
Thank you, Bev.
Talking in context of India, I have witnessed lack of collaboration and excessive competition within the organisation working for the disability cause.
However, Shades of Different, British Stammering Association ( Stamma), Billion Strong and Dutch Coalition for Disability and Development( DCDD) has shown immense support and believe in my project.