It is important that we not just uplift, but center the work of Black activists, researchers, public health professionals, and advocates who are championing the ongoing campaigns of disability justice and autism awareness. Historically, disability activism has excluded the voices and work of Black people and people of color, and this exclusion has led to a lack of attention, research, and policy specific changes that address the needs and experiences of disabled Black people.
That is why for Black History Month, and beyond, we at the Policy Impact Project will work to recognizing and highlight the work of Black activists in this field, in an effort to create a more intersectional field and shed light on those working to undo the ableist and racist systems that have historically ignored the needs of disabled Black people.
Below is a review of those we highlighted during Black History Month, 2023.
This #BlackHistoryMonth we are highlighting the work of Black #activists who have been influential in making this country better for those in the #DisabilityCommunity.
Anita Cameron is one of the first Black, #disabled #SelfAdvocates who played a big role in passing the #ADA. pic.twitter.com/CIzC7u7ydh
— Policy Impact Project (@impact_policy) February 9, 2023
Watch:
We Were There, Too: Black Disabled Voices in the Disability Revolution with Anita Cameron
This #BlackHistoryMonth we are highlighting the work of Black #activists who have been influential in making this country better for those in the #DisabilityCommunity.
Dr. Sarai Pahla is an autistic self-advocate, Medical Doctor, Translator, Public Speaker, and Programmer. pic.twitter.com/6rcvZukezu
— Policy Impact Project (@impact_policy) February 13, 2023
Watch:
This #BlackHistoryMonth we are highlighting the work of Black #activists who have been influential in making this country better for those in the #DisabilityCommunity.
Bernard Grant, PhD is an autistic self-advocate, writer, and editor. pic.twitter.com/6GFMG8qFxX
— Policy Impact Project (@impact_policy) February 15, 2023
Read:
10 Ways to Support Autistic College Students
Why Accessibility Matters for BIPOC Students with Disabilities
What Does a Neurodivergent-Inclusive Workplace Look Like?
Are There Benefits to Disclosing My Disability to an Employer?
This #BlackHistoryMonth we are highlighting the work of Black #activists who have been influential in making this country better for those in the #DisabilityCommunity.
Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is a self-advocate, educator, writer, public speaker, and parent of 6. pic.twitter.com/BqpqUDNpCt
— Policy Impact Project (@impact_policy) February 17, 2023
Read:
Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement: Stories from the Frontline
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child
This #BlackHistoryMonth we are highlighting the work of Black #activists who have been influential in making this country better for those in the #DisabilityCommunity.
Jevon Okundaye is an autistic self-advocate, writer, and content editor . pic.twitter.com/U0zJhoKA7b
— Policy Impact Project (@impact_policy) February 21, 2023
Watch:
Read:
Ask a Self-Advocate: The Intersectionality of Race, Disability, and Gender
Ask a Self-Advocate: The Importance of Inclusion in Education
Ask a Self-Advocate: The School to Prison Pipeline
Ask a Self-Advocate: Racial Trauma in Schools
This #BlackHistoryMonth we are highlighting the work of Black #activists who have been influential in making this country better for those in the #DisabilityCommunity.
Dr. TC Waisman is an autistic autism researcher. pic.twitter.com/hPa1v20Stk
— Policy Impact Project (@impact_policy) February 24, 2023
Read:
Watch:
Raising the Stakes in Higher Education
This #BlackHistoryMonth we are highlighting the work of Black #activists who have been influential in making this country better for those in the #DisabilityCommunity.
Camille Proctor is the founder of The Color of Autism Foundation. pic.twitter.com/4aXCUPLiBg
— Policy Impact Project (@impact_policy) February 27, 2023
Read:
A culturally grounded autism parent training program with Black parents
Listen:
Building Efficacy in the African American Community
This #BlackHistoryMonth we are highlighting the work of Black #activists who have been influential in making this country better for those in the #DisabilityCommunity.
Melissa Simmonds is an autistic self-advocate; mom of two and founder of @Mis_TAught pic.twitter.com/X5q8C0cEFX
— Policy Impact Project (@impact_policy) February 28, 2023