Classism and Disability

15 Nov
From the Oxford English Dictionary:

in·ter·sec·tion·al·i·ty

/ˌin(t)ərsekSHəˈnalədē/
noun
noun: intersectionality; plural noun: intersectionalities

the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

“through an awareness of intersectionality, we can better acknowledge and ground the differences among us”

class·ism

/ˈklasˌizəm/
noun
noun: classism

prejudice against or in favor of people belonging to a particular social class.

“they are told to be on watch against the evils of classism”

Yesterday, I witnessed some hurtful body-shaming, classist, and parent-judging remarks (which I won’t share, because I don’t want to wish those emotions on you) that compelled me to blog today about the intersectionality of classism and disability.

I’ve said before, don’t get a disability if you’re poor, which is a sarcastic aside expressing my frustration at a widespread lack of access, including access to:

  • education
  • nutrition
  • physicians
  • mental health professionals
  • medical coverage
  • medication
  • traditional treatment
  • homeopathic treatment
  • assistive devices
  • service or therapy animals
  • educational accommodations
  • workplace accommodations

Types of barriers to necessities can include financial, geographical, or cultural.

Class and disability go hand-in-hand. In fact, class and overall mental and physical health go hand-in-hand.

The solution starts where all solutions start: with awareness. Admit the problem. Today, for a little awareness, I’ve compiled some images in the intersection of class and disability. Don’t miss the delightful video at the end, with the snail.

Classism

20140201_USD001_1

this

Poverty & DisabilityUS-map_disability-poverty_2017

disability-unequal-pay-infographic-press-releasev4-01

Privilege

USFPrivilegeCover

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