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How To Be An Ally

Intro
Identity
Justice
Allyship
Activity

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”

–Helen Keller

What is Allyship

Being an ally to the disabled community goes beyond mere support; it requires empathy, active listening, and a commitment to learning and unlearning. It involves acknowledging personal privilege and using it to create inclusive spaces and experiences.

Disabled Identity

Intersectionality

In the realm of disability, understanding identity is key to recognizing the full spectrum of experiences within our communities. Identities are deeply personal and multifaceted, weaving together various elements that define who we are. Intersectionality emerges as a crucial lens through which we can understand disability, highlighting how it intersects with other facets of identity—such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status for example.

Disabled Identities

Recognizing that disability cuts across all other communities and marginalized groups allows us to see the unique ways in which different aspects of our identities impact our lived experiences.
An illustration of the word 'deaf' with a lowercase 'd', drawn in a handwritten style on a black background.

Lowercase “d” deaf

The lowercase “d” in deaf refers to the audiological condition of not hearing. This perspective centers on the physical aspect of hearing loss, without considering the individual’s connection with the Deaf community. It’s a broad term that includes anyone who may be deaf or hard of hearing, without implying a shared culture or identity. This definition emphasizes the personal experience of hearing loss from a medical or audiological standpoint.

An illustration of the word 'Pride' in a bold, handwritten style on a black background, representing the cultural pride of the uppercase 'D' Deaf

Uppercase “D” Deaf

The uppercase “D” in Deaf signifies a distinct cultural identity and a sense of belonging to the Deaf community. Individuals who identify as Deaf with an uppercase “D” often use sign language as a primary mode of communication and share common values, traditions, and experiences. This term highlights  pride in Deaf cultural heritage and the collective experience of being Deaf, rather than focusing solely on hearing loss.

Intersecting Identities

Recognizing that disability cuts across all other communities and marginalized groups allows us to see the unique ways in which different aspects of our identities impact our lived experiences.

Reflect on how your own identities intersect and influence your experiences

Consider the roles that race, gender, ability, and other aspects of identity play in shaping your perspective. How can this awareness help you better understand and support the diverse experiences within the disability community?

Disability Justice

image of wheelchair sign and arrow

A Path to Liberation

Disability intersects all facets of justice, underscoring that there can be no true justice without addressing disability rights. This concept challenges us to dismantle barriers and biases, recognizing that disability is integral to our social fabric. Achieving disability justice means embracing inclusivity at every level, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of disabled identity, have equal access to opportunities and rights.

#CripTheVote

A grassroots movement aimed at amplifying the political voices of disabled people, #CripTheVote highlights the critical importance of accessible voting methods and disability representation in policy-making, empowering individuals to advocate for change and equality in the political arena.

Disability Justice Principles

To translate the concept of disability justice into practical elements, we can adopt several guiding principles that help us understand and implement its core concepts effectively.

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Intersectionality

Recognizes the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to disabled individuals, creating overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
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Leadership of the Most Impacted

Prioritizes the voices, experiences, and leadership of disabled people who experience multiple layers of oppression, ensuring their central role in decision-making processes.
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Anti-Capitalist Politics

Challenges systems that value productivity and economic contributions above human lives, advocating for a society that values everyone, irrespective of their ability to work.
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Commitment to Cross-Movement Solidarity

Emphasizes the importance of solidarity and alliances with other social justice movements, recognizing the mutual benefits of working together to dismantle all forms of oppression.
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Recognition of Wholeness

Celebrates individuals as whole human beings with talents, gifts, and contributions to offer, rather than defining them by their disabilities alone.
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Accessibility and Inclusivity

Demands environments and systems that are inherently accessible and inclusive, removing barriers to participation for all individuals, regardless of their physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities.

Reflect on the principles of disability justice and their importance in creating inclusive environments

How can recognizing and addressing the intersectionality of disabilities with other forms of oppression enhance our approach to accessibility and inclusion? Think about ways you can actively support disability justice in your community or field.

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

– Christopher Reeve

Practicing Allyship

Ways To Be an Ally

Allyship in the context of disability justice presents a spectrum of opportunities for engagement and support. Understanding that each action, no matter its size, contributes to a larger movement towards inclusivity is key. As we explore the many ways to be an ally, remember that your journey is unique—shaped by personal experiences, abilities, and the intersections at which you stand. This section introduces a variety of approaches to allyship, each with the potential to make a meaningful impact on creating a more accessible and equitable world for all.
Illustration of a book with a glowing lightbulb above it, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge on disability rights and culture

Educate Yourself

Learn about different models of disability. Understand what ableism is and how to detect it. Discover the million reasons why accessibility matters. There are tons of resources out there from podcasts to books, documentaries to talks, social media and more.
Hand-drawn image featuring two ears and a heart centered between them, emphasizing listening and empathy towards diverse experiences

Respect Individual Experiences

Recognize that every person is different and there are a variety of ways disability is experienced. Listen to each story and understand that not everyone has the same views and preferences. For example, how people choose to identify themselves (identity-first vs person-first).
Minimalist drawing of a smartphone, video camera, and microphone with radiating lines, representing the creation and sharing of accessible content

Make Your Content Accessible

Ensure your digital footprint is inclusive, from websites to social media posts. Simple actions like adding alt text to images and captions to videos can make a world of difference. Accessibility benefits everyone and should be a universal standard, not an afterthought.
Simple illustration of a question mark surrounded by accessibility symbols, including a wheelchair, braille, and hearing aid, urging consideration of inclusivity

Consider Accessibility in Everything

Incorporate accessibility into your daily life and advocate for it in public spaces and events. From questioning the absence of ramps to requesting sign language interpreters, your advocacy prompts change and encourages inclusive practices across communities.
Illustration depicting a handshake intertwined with diverse human figures, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in employment and opportunities.

Hire and Promote Disabled People

Champion diversity in your workplace by advocating for the hiring and promotion of individuals with disabilities. Representation matters, and it starts with equitable opportunities in every sector, ensuring disabled voices are heard and valued.
illustration of a megaphone

Amplify Diverse Disabled Voices

Follow and support disability advocates and creators online. Engaging with and sharing their content amplifies their voices and perspectives, enriching your understanding and that of your network about the disability experience.
A sign says accessibility options

Advocate Proactively

Take a stand against ableism whenever and wherever you encounter it. From challenging derogatory language to addressing inaccessible environments, your voice can drive change and support a culture of inclusivity and respect.

Show Up Imperfectly

Recognize that allyship is a journey marked by learning and growth. Mistakes are part of the process, but the commitment to listen, learn, and improve is what truly defines an ally. Your efforts contribute to the collective goal of dismantling barriers and fostering a society where everyone belongs.

Activity

E

Impact of Action

Practice allyship highlights its vital role in fostering inclusivity. By taking intentional steps to support and advocate for the disability community, you contribute to breaking down barriers and promoting a more accessible and equitable society.

Allyship Challenge

Take a step towards allyship: participate in a disability-focused activity and share what you’ve learned. Document your action, how it felt, and share with us on the Discord channel. Your efforts help break down barriers.

Map 5 Places

Review the accessibility of places to on AccessNow app. Include tags, photos, and a description.

Practice ASL

Dedicate time to learn American Sign Language and add some new phrases to your vocabulary.

Write a Letter

Write a letter to a local government supporting a movement or cause. Harness words to inspire change.

Up Next: #MapMission Activation

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#MapMission Activation

Communities come together for a common goal: to make our neighbourhoods more accessible and inclusive.
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