Too often I feel like disabled people are only taken seriously as advocates if they have the “big ticket” items on their advocacy resume.
What does that mean? Big committees, in-person attendance at events, and anything else that aligns with corporate norms. (Side note the ever brilliant Charlie has a post that covers how some corporate norms are completely inaccessible.)
Advocacy is not just about what big public things you can do. It’s part of it, for sure! We need good disability representation on committees and things, especially from people who are intersectional and aware of the diversity of needs across different disabilities.
But advocacy is also valid and important in small, quiet, private moments. A quick chat to someone while booking an appointment. Sharing a few facts about your disability with a friend.
All of these actions contribute to knowledge and change.
It’s about time we reconsider the full range of advocacy that exists in the world.
(Side note: while I say small private moments are advocacy to me, not every person with a disability identifies as an advocate. Identity is a personal choice and people with a disability should not have to be advocates.)
