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Disability is not a singular issue but is rather interwoven with
other social identities such as race, gender, sexuality, and class. Failure to
acknowledge this intersectionality leads to the phenomenon of some disabled
individuals being more burdened than others. In her work, Jampel used the
“basement metaphor” to explain this, where those who are disadvantaged in more
ways occupy the bottom, while those affected by only one factor are placed at
the top. This highlights the need for an intersectional approach to disability
rights that considers the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that
disabled people face.
The government has a vital role to play in ensuring that all individuals,
including those with disabilities, are treated equally. However, as Schalk and
Kim suggest, many state apparatuses often operate as “instruments of mass
disablement” by brutalizing those who are poor, undocumented, black, brown,
disabled, trans, and/or gender nonconforming. Such actions prevent American
society from achieving equality and justice for all, irrespective of their
personal differences.
The daily struggles faced by disabled individuals, particularly those of
minority groups, are evident. Jimmy Lebrecht, a disability rights activist who
was born with a birth defect preventing him from using his legs, highlights the
need for change, stating that “I had to fit into this world that wasn’t built
for me.” It is crucial that American society acknowledges and addresses these
struggles and works towards building a world that is inclusive and accessible to
all.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a significant step forward in
ensuring the rights of disabled individuals. However, more action is needed to
improve their lives further. Disability justice policymakers must take into
account that disabled people who are disadvantaged in several dimensions require
special attention. An intersectional approach to disability rights policies can
ensure that these marginalized individuals are not left behind and that everyone
has equal access to all that society has to offer.
In conclusion, an intersectional approach to disability rights is critical to
ensuring that disabled individuals are not further burdened by other forms of
discrimination. The government must act as an enabler of disability rights by
providing equal protection to all individuals, regardless of their differences.
It is only through such concerted efforts that American society can become more
inclusive and accessible, allowing disabled individuals to lead their lives with
dignity and autonomy. |
