***Content Warning: this article discusses sexual and verbal abuse. Carley Mullin is a certified blind cane travel instructor who works with children and adults. In this article, she argues that supporting survivors of sexual assault is not only crucial but in line with the principles of the National Federation of the Blind. Why Structured Discovery… Continue reading Why Structured Discovery should be grounded in justice
Tag: disability
#MarchingTogether: Seeking accountability in the blind community
CW/TW: Discussion of sexual misconduct/harassment, gaslighting and details of rape. We cannot escape the obvious fact that sexual misconduct is rampant in the blind community. Since December, story after story has released from survivors detailing their experiences and the widespread cover-ups training centers and blindness organizations have attempted. Public apologies, task forces and organizational partnerships… Continue reading #MarchingTogether: Seeking accountability in the blind community
Uncomfortable Conversations: The importance of including ablism in our discussions on disability
Uncomfortable conversations are not fun. No one enjoys an uncomfortable conversation. Sometimes, uncomfortable conversations are necessary. Let’s also not conflate discomfort with abuse. My entire life, I’ve heard excuses for why people are racist, sexist, ablist, classist. They don’t understand. They are from a different generation. They are just being nice. Well, fuck all these… Continue reading Uncomfortable Conversations: The importance of including ablism in our discussions on disability
Stop centering us: Disability and white supremacy
During a recent discussion online about an article on disabled parenting, several people shared their thoughts about the decision to parent as a disabled person. A couple of people mentioned specific concerns, listing a variety of what-if scenarios explaining their hesitancy to start a family even if parenting is a desire of theirs. Many of… Continue reading Stop centering us: Disability and white supremacy
Get it straight: How I exercise with chronic pain and fatigue
I push up into a yoga plank. Breathing deeply, in-and-out, my mind scans my entire body, making sure the pose is correct. I lift my hips up, moving into down dog. Fingers splayed, I press my knuckles into the ground, trying to alleviate as much pressure off my wrists as possible. Head inverted, I continue… Continue reading Get it straight: How I exercise with chronic pain and fatigue
Well, Isn’t that Special?
My husband and I Zoom with our son’s school about his progress. My son is on the spectrum and has academic and behavior goals. During the entire conversation, his teachers use the phrase special needs. I forcefully use the word disability. Special needs is a term non-disabled teachers and doctors and parents use for disabled… Continue reading Well, Isn’t that Special?
Disposable
I had a bad dream. The world said I’m disposable. Enraged voices echoed, spewing about their right to congregate superseding my right to live. I walked through static darkness and heard money was more important than my well-being. I had a bad dream. Sickness grew in hulking mounds. Dark monsters reaching out, grabbing anyone nearby.… Continue reading Disposable
What book are you fingering?: The language we feel obligated to use with blind people
My iPhone rested in my lap as I sat in my seat on the train. Like passengers surrounding me, I used my smart device to entertain myself. With an earbud positioned in my ear, I kept one ear available to track my children while the other read a book on Kindle. I enjoy reading audio… Continue reading What book are you fingering?: The language we feel obligated to use with blind people
Imperfection 