Disability Justice
Disability Justice is one of QWOCMAP’s grounding principles.
Why It Matters
Bodies of disabled people are NOT liabilities, something that limits us, causes pity, or needs courage to live, or something to nobly transcend.
QWOCMAP believes in Crip Brilliance, the creative ability to solve problems in a world that is both inaccessible and disabling, and Crip Love, the ways to be present and in relationship with other humans, non-human people, and beings on this planet, the ways we truth see and act to honor the worth of all people. As Patty Berne said, “we honor us.”
“People usually think of disability as an individual flaw or problem, rather than as something partly created by the world we live in. It is rare that people think about disability as a political experience or as encompassing a community full of rich histories, cultures and legacies. Disability is framed as lacking, sad and undesirable: a shortcoming at best, a tragedy at worst. Disabled people are used as the poster children of environmental injustice or the argument for abortion rights. For many people, even just the idea that we can understand disability as ‘not wrong’ is a huge shift in thinking.”
- mia mingus
How We Roll
Following the Leadership of Disabled Community
QWOCMAP works under the 10 principles of Disability Justice, including following the leadership of disabled community members who have contributed so much to our community.
Among them, the 100% of our Staff and Board that is disabled.
And many, many thanks to the late Patty Berne, who we respected, loved, and schemed with for almost 30 years. She informed QWOCMAP’s learning, practices, and understanding that ending ableism is an ongoing process of change and transformation. We miss her militant, incomparable, tireless, multi-decade leadership, and conception of disability justice.
We are deeply grateful for her friendship and support. For her reminders that we can “cry and organize, cry while we’re organizing.” For her belief that the lives of disabled people are important and therefore, so is our survival.
What We Do
Accessibility
In honor of Patty, and so many other disabled community leaders, QWOCMAP strives to make our programs as accessible as possible so that the entire community can all participate in all the ways that you need and want.
Revolutionary Learning
Learning and improving programs is how we embody cross-disability solidarity.
If there are access needs that you might have that we have not yet addressed with the accessibility we provide, please let us know how we can support you.
During the Film Festival
During the Film Festival, you can communicate with any of our Accessibility Mavens, our ASL Liaisons, or one of our Safety & Care crew members (identified by RED badges), who will be happy to meet you and support you.
More Guides & Links
Resources
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10 Principles of Disability Justice
Sins Invalid's disability justice principles, both the original version and in plain language, with ASL interpretation.
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Disability Solidarity: Completing the “Vision for Black Lives”
The Harriet Tubman Collective's Charter Document, which submits that any struggle against white supremacy must also address all of its interrelated flaws–including ableism and audism.
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You Are Not Entitled To Our Deaths: COVID, Abled Supremacy & Interdependence
About COVID, the impact on disabled people, and how to practice solidarity.
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Download NEA Accessibility Workbook
Evaluate the accessibility of your programs and activities.
