Just a reminder for anyone teaching #DisabilityStudies, for some students your class is a lifeline. I was so excited for my first fully dedicated class in grad school. To explore my own disabled identity, hear disabled perspectives and talk about community building. 1/6
Instead I got a class where we read novels with poorly portrayed disabled characters written by able bodied people. We had theory debates where classmates discussed the degree to which social barriers lay the foundation for disability having never experienced them. 2/6
Since it was a grad level class, we were treated as equal participants. There were no guidelines about what we said. And while no one used ableist slurs or derogatory language, classmates often referenced ableism in underhanded ways. 3/6
They weighed in on issues about the disability rights movement, resources, etc, when they had no stake in it. And I'm not saying there's one narrative or one proper set of politics, but I don't want to debate the policies that shape my life with those they'll never effect. 4/6
There are times when you can be quiet in class. Please teach your students that it's ok to sit back and listen and it's ok to NOT have an opinion on things sometimes. Moreover, remind them that their opinion is not held in this bubble. 5/6
When someone makes a claim about disability, they make a claim about my everyday life. About my needs. About my community and my history. Those comments need to be offered up and moderated with thoughtfulness, respect, and space for change 6/6 #AcademicChatter #DisabilityTwitter
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