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People with disabilities have adapted, reshaped, and resisted barriers to accessibility. Highlighted here are organizations run by people with disabilities dedicated to alleviating the burden of living in a system of interlocking oppressions.
Across four panels, this poster depicts multiple individuals stopped at the bottom of a set of stairs: a skateboarder, a person pushing a baby in a stroller, a person using a wheelchair, and two cats. The final panel shows multiple users of a ramp. The text reads, "If you thought the wheel was a good idea--you'll love the ramp!"
Peg Averill, If You Thought the Wheel was a Good Idea, You'll Love the Ramp! (1987)
Courtesy of Cushing/Whitney Medical Historical Library.
Peg Averill (1949-1993) used her artistic talents to support political causes throughout her career. In addition to her poster highlighting the problem of inaccessible architecture, Averill created artworks that supported lesbian and gay rights and women's empowerment and denounced the prison system. This poster was featured by The Center On Human Policy (CHP) at Syracuse University is a disability research, policy, and advocacy organization active since 1971.
Further Resources:
Four posters by Averill in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art collection.
The cover of the manual features the words "Gray Panthers" with a cartoon panther in stylized gray handwriting in the center of the page. Right below that is the slogan "Age and Youth in Action" is written. The words "Network Organizing Manual, 1973-4" are written on an angle across the bottom third.
"The Gray Panthers Network Organizing Manual" (1973-4)
Courtesy of the Digital Library for Nonviolent Resistance, Rutgers International Institute for Peace
Founded by Maggie Kuhn in 1970, the Gray Panthers are a set of grassroots advocacy networks dedicated to social justice. With their slogan "Age and Youth in Action," the multi-generational organization has fought age discrimination, nursing home abuses, and stereotypes of the elderly. The group continues to support anti-war efforts, LGBT rights, and single-payer health care. Turn to page 7 to read about two exercises recommended to build a sense of trust and community among new network members. Download a searchable .pdf version of the manual here.
Further Resources:
Digital Library of Nonviolent Resistance, Rutgers International International Institute for Peace
The following two items both originate from Sins Invalid, a disability justice based performance arts collective led by disabled people of color. Originating in the San Francisco Bay area in 2005, Sins Invalid tours nationally and supports work that celebrates manifestations of difference. The organization was founded by Leroy F. Moore Jr. and Patrice "Patty" Berne.
Sins Invalid, "All Bodies Are Unique and Essential..."
Courtesy of Cushing/Whitney Medical Historical Library.
This poster depicts Sins Invalid co-founder Leroy Moore from the waist up holding his hands together in front of himself. The text above his photo reads in alternating white and green text, “All Bodies Are Unique and Essential. All Bodies are Whole. All Bodies Have Strengths and Needs That Must Be Met. We Are Powerful Not Despite the Complexities of Our Bodies, but Because of Them. We Move Together, With No Body Left Behind. This Is Disability Justice.”
Poster design by Micah Bazant. Photo of Leroy Moore by Richard Downing. Text by Aurora Levins Morales and Patty Berne.
The title, Skin, Tooth, and Bone: The Basis of Movement is Our People, is typed in yellow against a brown background. Underneath the title are a tangle of bones, tentacles, flowers an a leaf against a purple webbed background.
Sins Invalid, Skin, Tooth, and Bone: The Basis of Movement is Our People. Courtesy of Cushing/Whitney Medical Historical Library.
This book, now in its second edition, is centered around the work of Patty Berne and the performing arts disability justice organization Sins Invalid. It offers "concrete suggestions for moving beyond the socialization of ableism.” In addition to tracing disability history, the book also provides analysis and context for the growing Disability Justice movement while placing in conversation an array of disabilities. It can be purchased in as a digital download or hard copy by visiting the website: www.sinsinvalid.org
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