I recently attended two different yet somewhat similar (at least to me) workshops. I did not really see their similarity, or connection, until afterwards. I had to give it some thought and reflect on the things that were said, and things I have learned, not only in these workshops, but in my own journey. One of the workshops had to do with grief and the other, accessibility for people living with disabilities.
It was self awareness, awareness of others, and social justice that brought the two together for me. Acceptance of ‘life’ issues and offering accommodations to ourselves and others, whether it be in our personal lives or in the workplace. Questioning access needs, acknowledging challenges, finding and working together on solutions, and then continuing to move forward and build up resiliency.
Disability Justice (https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/10-principles-of-disability-justice). One of the 10 principles is ‘Collective Liberation: No body or mind can be left behind – only moving together can we accomplish the revolution we require.’
I have been working in charitable non-profit for almost 14 years now. Currently with CAYR, an AIDS service organization working with HIV/AIDS, Hep C, Harm reduction and 2SLGBTQ+ supports, and previously with One Voice, a network established to bridge the gap between the working world and jobseekers with disabilities.
Whether living with an invisible or visible disability, being part of a vulnerable or marginalized community, working as an advocate or a frontline worker, we are all striving toward the same, or at least very similar, goal. Dignified acceptance and wellbeing to leading an independent life.
Fear, bias, judgment, assumption, silos… these are the obstacles and barriers we face, but they shouldn’t be controlling. Open communication and working together, to break and step over the fear, bias, judgement, assumption, silos….
Intersectionality. Think about and reflect on it. It is a critical concept that recognizes how individuals hold multiple identities and face unique challenges at the intersections of those identities. Grief, accessibility, accommodations, acceptance, justice.
By Mark Koning
Mark is the Manager of Communications & Operations with CAYR COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS. Mark is also an Author and Blogger of Challenging Barriers