Disability is Part of Being Human

What does it mean to have a disability? Basically, it’s being human. The World Health Organization has stated that disability is integral to the human experience. Then what exactly is the human experience?

The human experience is thought to be the entirety of a person’s interactions, emotions, perceptions, and thoughts throughout their life journey. Disability does not discriminate and can intertwine into all aspects of a person’s journey. Almost everyone will experience a disability at some point in their life.

Today, there is an estimated 1.3 billion people with significant disability worldwide. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us. This number continues to grow due to an increase in diseases and people living longer. Long COVID is now recognized as a disability by the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557.

People with disabilities are a diverse group. Factors such as sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity and a person’s economic situation can affect their experiences in life and their health needs. People with disabilities tend to die earlier, have poorer health, and experience more limitations in everyday functioning than their non-disabled peers.

Elly Chapple says, ‘human’ is “a label we all share”. The Frameworks Institute reported that “when people believe that being human is tied to the existence of certain physical, mental, and affective abilities, anyone who lacks those abilities is seen as less human.”

Language referring to those with disabilities as “those people”, “them”, “those students” segregate, push out, and isolate people – it is no longer “us”. Then add ableist language into the mix, such as “idiot”, “cripple”, “invalid” along with words used to describe the elderly, such as “frail”, “deteriorating”, “declining”, and “infirm”. This is all dehumanizing language.

This type of language suggests that the elderly and people with disabilities lack the characteristics and abilities of being a “normal” and “healthy” human being – they are less than human.

As a society, we can do better. We can recognize and advocate that no matter what diverse aspect a person experiences, that person is still fully human, not a need, case, or object.

When thinking about the Independent Living Movement (IL), think more about their interdependence. All humans depend on other humans in some way or another. No one is truly independent.

The IL Philosophy was built on the principles of self-determination, the idea that people with disabilities should have control over their own lives and decisions. The IL Movement also focuses on peer support, which provides the opportunity for people with disabilities to empower each other to live life to the fullest.

IL Philosophy grew from the roots of the IL Movement and from the first Center for Independent Living (CIL) that opened in 1972, the first organization of its kind run by and for people with disabilities. This philosophy emphasizes that disability is a natural part of the human experience and does not diminish a person’s right to live independently, make choices, and pursue meaningful goals.

The Independent Living Movement embraces intersectionality by recognizing that individuals can face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other diverse factors.

Are you interested in learning more about the Independent Living Movement, DAC NEW, and what we can provide? Please reach out to us at (509) 606-4639 or contact us through our website at DAC NEW – Spokane and submit a help request at the bottom of the page!