DEI Resources - Disability Justice

This page has been prepared by the Georgetown University Library’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. We hope you find it useful as you explore the scope of topics related to disability justice.

If you have comments or suggestions about this page, please contact the Library's DEI Committee.

Definitions of Disability Justice

According to activist Naomi Ortiz, “Disability Justice is the cross-disability (sensory, intellectual, mental health/psychiatric, neurodiversity, physical/mobility, learning, etc.) framework that values access, self-determination and an expectation of difference. An expectation of difference means that we expect difference in disability, identity and culture. To be included and part of society is about being able to be our “whole self” (all of our identities together). Disability Justice includes space for self-care, reflection and hard discussions.”

Naomi Ortiz - Disability Justice

Educator Mia Mingus regards disability justice as moving “away from the ‘myth of independence,’ that everyone can and should be able to do everything on their own. I am not fighting for independence, as much of the disability rights movement rallies behind. I am fighting for an interdependence that embraces need and tells the truth: no one does it on their own and the myth of independence is just that, a myth.”

Mia Mingus - Changing the Framework: Disability Justice

Introduction: Disability Justice

Moving From Disability Rights to Disability Justice

What is Disability Justice

ADJC: Alternatives to Policing Based in Disability Justice

Disability History, Community, and Culture

Definitions of Ableism

Talila L. Lewis blog – Working Definition of Ableism - January 2022 Update

“A system of assigning value to people’s bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, productivity, desirability, intelligence, excellence, and fitness. These constructed ideas are deeply rooted in eugenics, anti-Blackness, misogyny, colonialism, imperialism, and capitalism.”

Autistichoya (blog). Ableism/Language

Simmons University Library. Anti-Oppression LibGuide: Anti-Ableism

Ashley Eisenmenger. Ableism 101: What it is, what it looks like, and what we can do to to fix it

What can we do to recognize and avert ableism?

  • Believe people when they disclose a disability
  • Similarly, don’t accuse people of ‘faking’ their disability
  • Listen to people when they request an accommodation
  • Don’t assume you know what someone needs
  • Never touch a person with a disability or their mobility equipment without consent
  • Keep invasive questions to yourself
  • Don’t speak on behalf of someone with a disability unless they explicitly ask you to
  • Talk about disability with children and young people
  • Incorporate accessibility into your event planning
  • Learn more about being a good disability ally here.

But one of the most important things to do to push back against ableism: Make sure people with disabilities are at the table where decisions are being made.

Learn More

Books

Websites

Journals and journal articles

Selected Videos

Georgetown University Resources