From Acts of Kindness to Systemic Change

Carly Okyle’s Time Magazine piece, “I’ve Been Paralyzed Since I Was 3. Here’s Why Kindness Toward Disabled People Is More Complicated Than You Think,” offers a profound critique of the superficial nature of kindness directed towards people with disabilities. Delving into the nuanced nature of kindness directed towards individuals with disabilities, Okyle asserts that while kindness is often well-intentioned, it can sometimes fall short of fostering genuine inclusion and support.

This sentiment echoes the observations of Shakespeare and Watson (2002), who argue that societal attitudes towards disability frequently revolve around pity or charity rather than empowerment. Together, these insights prompt a critical examination of the need for substantial empowerment and systemic changes to effectively support individuals with disabilities.

Empowerment Over Pity

Building on the research of Shakespeare, Watson, and Charlton (2000), it is clear that achieving true equality for individuals with disabilities requires systemic changes. A key aspect of this is enhancing accessibility within educational settings to ensure that all students receive the support they need. Charlton emphasizes the importance of inclusive learning environments in fostering academic success for students with disabilities.

Similarly, the workplace requires a transformative approach that goes beyond removing physical barriers to also tackle attitudinal and systemic obstacles that impede full participation. Organizations should not just accommodate but actively recruit, support, and promote individuals with disabilities, recognizing their skills and contributions. Charlton also highlights the benefits of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where individuals with disabilities can excel professionally.

Systemic Barriers

Contrasting with the traditional medical model that predominantly views individuals in terms of their impairments, Scully (2008) advocates for a social model focused on dismantling systemic barriers. This approach includes enhancing public transportation accessibility, significantly improving mobility for those who use mobility aids. Similarly, ensuring buildings are accessible can transform spaces from merely habitable to fully accommodating.

Media Perceptions

Recent studies, including those by Haller et al. (2019), underscore the importance of shifting media narratives from dependency to empowerment. They highlight the influential role of media in shaping perceptions and advocate for stories portraying individuals with disabilities as capable and resilient rather than dependent.

At Wiley’s Walk, we are dedicated to highlighting these empowering narratives, showcasing the true diversity and complexity of the disability community, and promoting representation that reflects their real capabilities and achievements.

Personal Reflections

While recognizing the commendable nature of individual acts of kindness, it’s crucial to consider them within the broader framework of dismantling barriers experienced by people with disabilities. As Charlton highlights, genuine progress requires a fundamental change in physical, organizational, and attitudinal structures that systematically marginalize individuals with disabilities, hindering their full participation. This shift in perspective is pivotal, as it moves the discourse beyond isolated acts of kindness toward implementing comprehensive societal reforms.

Conclusion

Every act of kindness, though valuable, should be part of a larger movement towards authentic empowerment and inclusion. The discussions and narratives shared at Wiley’s Walk are intended to inspire actions that drive meaningful, impactful changes. Through community education and mobilization, we advocate for substantial reforms that pave the way for genuine inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

References

• Charlton, J. I. (2000). Nothing About Us Without Us: Disability Oppression and Empowerment. University of California Press.
• Haller, B., Dorries, B., & Rahn, J. (2019). “Media labeling versus the US disability community identity: a study of shifting cultural language.” Disability & Society, 21(1), 61-75.
• Scully, J. L. (2008). Disability Bioethics: Moral Bodies, Moral Difference. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
• Shakespeare, T., & Watson, N. (2002). “The social model of disability: An outdated ideology?” Research in Social Science and Disability, 2, 9-28.