Disability justice is a system that represents the minority class of disabled/impaired individuals, combats ableism (and other -isms) and intersects with other social locations. Social locations such as, race, gender, class, sexuality, etc. It is important to note that disability justice’s intersectional approach is also anti-capitalist. Capitalism view people and their productivity as a commodity. Many people with impairment struggled with obtaining employment before the ADA was enacted in 1990. Disability justice must be embedded into accessibility laws to solidify equitable and equal access to opportunities. This can be implemented by seeing through an intersectional lens. Knowing, understanding, and respecting each other is the route to breaking down marginalization, discrimination, and bias. People with impairments are a “minority status that is not shameful” (Bryan 475) nor should ever be seen as shameful. They are a “very important cog in the wheel of American life” (Bryan 476) and should have all the same human rights and access to this world as an able bodied person.

The social model of disability is one that challenges the prejudice attitudes of ableism. It questioned in which ways our society functions, often placing many barriers in place to limit people with impairments. The social model takes into account the personal experiences of people with disabilities and uses them to make the world a more accessible place. Having more accessibility means allowing people with impairments more independence and freedom to live their lives how they choose to. An example of a social model would be ramps into buildings, making it wheelchair accessible.

The medical model views people with impairments by their disability, what it “wrong” with them. This model’s approach is how can we “fix” them even if they aren’t suffering in pain or are at peace with their impairment. This model created low expectations which is very hurtful and demeaning. Often this perception reduces the quality of life of the individual.

Bibliography:

Adams, Maurice. Readings for Diversity and Social Justice. Routledge, 2010.

Berne, Patricia, et al. “Ten Principles of Disability Justice.” WSQ: Women’s Studies Quarterly, vol. 46 no. 1, 2018, p. 227-230. Project MUSE, doi:10.1353/wsq.2018.0003.