Identity is important - it defines who we are, and influences how we navigate the world, both physically and culturally. For the disability community, the concept of identity is fraught with different experiences and opinions, including whether or not disabled is an identity at all, or if it's simply a diagnosis separate from personhood.

There are also various identities that intersect with disability, such as race, gender, class, and immigration status. What we explored in this Twitter chat was how these identities are all a part of the disability experience, and how we can and should be inclusive of everyone. We are a diverse group of individuals, and our media, government, and stories should represent that.

Location: @ability2thrive on Twitter

Hashtag: #InclusiveDisability

While the live event is over, you can still participate in the conversation! All you have to do is go to our Twitter page and tweet us the answers to our questions below. Make sure to tag all your tweets with #InclusiveDisability! The questions are open to everyone.

Recap

#InclusiveDisability Chat

Featured Panelist

Vilissa Thompson (@VilissaThompson) is a social worker, writer, and activist. She is also the CEO of Ramp Your Voice!, a resource for advocates and a disability-consultantation service with an intersectional focus. Vilissa is also the creator of the #DisabilityTooWhite hashtag.    

Questions

1) What does diversity mean in relation to the disability community?

2) What does inclusion mean, and is it different from diversity?

3) Disability in media does not usually represent the inherit diversity in the community. Does this representation affect society's understanding of disability?

4) Why is it important to consider how race, gender, and other identities intersect with disability?

5) How can we ensure that the voices of disabled people of different identities are included in the disability-rights movement?

6) There are many forms of disability, including physical and cognitive disabilities, mental illness, and chronic illness. How can we ensure all these disabilities are included in talks about diversity?