Where Did The ADA Come From And Where Can We Go From Here?
On July 26th, we mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This landmark legislation helped make the United States a more accessible and inclusive place for those with disabilities. Since its passage in 1990, this landmark legislation has helped increase access and opportunity for people with disabilities. However, while […]
‘Wicked’ Attempts to Inspire the Golden Rule in Viewers – But Instead, Only Inspires Ableism
Image illustrated by staff artist, Ellie Darby-Prangnell Envision this scenario in the eyes of an able-bodied individual. The house (which is the seating area, for you non-theatre nerds) is filled with hundreds of ecstatic theatre-goers ready to see the critically acclaimed musical, “Wicked.” Hundreds of people of every age are at the edge of their […]
Missing the Mark: The Obstacle of Academic Ableism
“Having a diagnosis suddenly changed people’s beliefs in my capability”, says Megan Bent, a 38-year-old disabled artist and photographer based in West Hartford, Connecticut. She often recalls the feeling of being newly diagnosed to channel into her pieces, preferring a camera with “imperfect” qualities to achieve what she describes as a “slow photographic process that […]
Humanize with Empathy, Not Sympathy, by asking “What are you going through?”
“The love of our neighbour in all its fullness simply means being able to say ‘what are you going through?’” What Simone Weil touches on here in her 1951 text “Waiting for God” sounds simple and straight forward. Listen to each other, share, and through that develop understanding. So why is it all too often […]
I Was Granted the Disability Pension and Shame Was My First Reaction
Despite professional recommendation, I put off applying for the disability pension for as long as possible. I am chronically mentally ill. I am unable to work as a result and therefore am lacking in the financial department. After months of contemplation and eking out my dwindling resources, I decided to swallow my pride and admit […]
“In A Beat”, Discusses Autism and Black Representation Through a Refreshing and Representative Lens
It is no secret that film is very much lacking in diversity. Disability representation is limited, and accurate disability representation is even more so. However, accurate representation for black autistic folks is quite literally non-existent. That’s why In A Beat, a new film premiering on 10th July 2020, is vitally important for our community. In A […]
“You Are So Cute” : The Nicest Insult I Have Ever Gotten
“You are so cute!” A phrase I hear all the time. From family, friends and sometimes people I don’t even know. Okay, to a certain degree- I get it. I am quite small in stature and to some I resemble a small woodland creature. But because I am Disabled, calling me cute can mean a […]
JK Rowling, Autism, and Getting to ‘Pick Your Gender’
Happy Pride month, Cripple Magazine readers! While many of us will not be attending Pride events this year, I hope that each of you is able to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQ+ community in your own way while staying safe. This Pride month, children’s author JK Rowling was called out for liking, retweeting, and making […]
Modern-Day “Shock Therapy” Isn’t What You Think—But Isn’t Perfect, Either
When I tell people that I am currently undergoing electroconvulsive therapy, the modern equivalent of “shock therapy”, I am most often met with semi-horrified surprise or confusion. Many think that the treatment is no longer used due to its harsh side effects and potential for abuse. This belief makes sense, given the way that this […]
Disability Pride: Five Disabled LGBTQ Activists Who Connected Communities
Pride today largely consists of celebrations, rainbow-clad community members, and corporations capitalizing on the opportunity to seem inclusive. The major strides in advancing LGBTQ rights combined with the nearly nonexistent inclusion of our history in school curriculums can allow us to perceive the past through rose-colored lenses. It is easy to forget the myriad of […]