How to be a good disability ally

I will always  support the disability community in whatever way I can.  I’m passionate about raising awareness, tackling misconceptions surrounding disability and breaking down barriers. That was the driving force behind starting my blog back in 2015 and I have used my platforms in this way ever since. However, it can feel like I’m constantly answering the same questions and find myself automatically educating others from time to time.

I’m taking things back to basics in today’s blog post. I want to talk about being a good disability ally. Allyship is about lifting each other up, supporting others and playing your part in creating change. I’m not talking about huge changes; small changes can sometimes mean the most. There are steps we can all take to be an ally.

One of the steps that is crucial to moving forward in creating a world that’s accessible for everyone is being a good ally. We can all be an ally in one way or another.

I spend a lot of my time educating people on disability – both in my day job, as well as here on the blog and on social media. I find myself slipping into educational mode when I’m out and about, when curious strangers ask me questions about my vision impairment.

Sometimes, I feel like fellow disabled people are the only ones nodding along with me, agreeing with me when I’m sharing something controversial about life with a disability.

Granted, it doesn’t always come from disabled people though. I know many brilliant disability allies that do not have a disability. They all have a few things in common: they listen, take note, they use their voice when needed and they always consider accessibility. They aren’t afraid to tackle misconceptions or educate others. Their conscious effort doesn’t go unnoticed. Can we have more of that please?

Here are some ways in which you can be a good disability ally.

 

Treat disabled people the same way you treat everyone else

I’d say that this is the first step in being a good disability ally, and one of the most important things you can do. In order to achieve the rest, treating us with respect is a given.

There’s no need for you to speak to us any differently to others. You don’t need to shout at us or speak to us like we’re a child. And one that bugs me the most: speak to us, rather than the person we’re with. I can’t tell you how belittled I feel when someone speaks to my friend or family member, when they can speak to me directly.

If you think a disabled person needs help or assistance, then ask. Don’t be offended if we say no – we know best.

If a disabled person does take your offer of assistance, it’s important to ask what they’d like you to do, and how you can help. Don’t jump in and grab their arm and drag them across the road for example.

We know that these acts of assistance come from a good place because people genuinely want to help, but think about how it makes us feel.

More often than not, we are more than capable going about our days independently. However, there are some times when we’re grateful for some help. Let us make these decisions. We’re not saying no to come across as rude, we are simply okay doing whatever it is on our own. Disabled people are independent. Please don’t take that independence away from us.

 

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn about various disabilities. Educate yourself on the various models of disability. Learn about the societal barriers we face. Gain a deeper understanding of accessibility and why it truly matters.

There’s a ton of resources out there – from blogs, podcasts, social media and books written by disabled people.

Don’t stop learning!

Remember it’s not solely down to disabled people to educate others. There are resources right at your fingertips so take it upon yourself to learn. Source as much information as you can. If you get stuck, reach out and ask. However, please remember that we don’t have the time or energy to educate every individual person. Find the line between searching for the resources yourself and reaching out.

As a disabled person myself, I’m always learning, always trying to stay educated and informed, and always trying to do better.

 

Think about the language you use

Language is key. It plays an important part in everything we do. Just like many other things in our lives, there is preferred terminology when it comes to disability. If someone asks you to use a specific word or phrase, be mindful of that. Respect their preferences.

You don’t need to skirt around the edges. Trust me, it makes for an unpleasant experience for everyone. Don’t be afraid to say the word “disabled”. Say it with pride, and say it with confidence.

There’s of course terminology you should avoid when talking about disability as well. For example, using phrases such as ‘wheelchair bound’, ‘crippled’ or ‘special needs’.

I dedicated a whole blog post to talking about disability and language if you fancy doing a deeper dive into the topic.

 

Listen to us

Disabled people’s voices can often go unheard or unnoticed. We regularly feel ignored and misunderstood. By taking the time to listen to what we have to say, you are giving us a voice.

Don’t jump in and take over. Instead, let us finish what we’re saying first.

If we’re giving you instructions on how to help us with something, don’t assume that you can do it your own way.

Remember that disabled people know best – we are the ones living with our disabilities and chronic illnesses every single day. When you listen to us, take note of what we’re saying and if you can, act on it.

Never speak over us. Don’t speak for us either.

 

Be a disability advocate

You don’t have to identify as disabled to advocate on areas such as disability rights and accessibility. You can speak up, share our content and educate other people.

If a document isn’t accessible, let the sender know. If a building isn’t accessible, speak up. If there’s a trending disability issue, use your platforms. If someone says something that’s ableist, correct and inform them. Don’t stay silent. Don’t be afraid to use your voice.

Listen to us and take our lead.

We don’t expect you to know everything. All we ask is for you to show your support where you can. We’re stronger together.

 

Amplify our content

There are lots of disabled people using their platforms to educate others and change perceptions. We do this because we want to share our experiences, raise awareness and help to make the world more accessible for everyone.

Opening yourself up to the world can be scary at times, it isn’t for everyone. There’s no obligation to do this simply for being a disabled person. But those of us that use our platforms in this way all have our own reasons for doing so.

How many disabled people do you follow on social media? If you’re not sure where to start, I put together a Twitter thread of disabled advocates, bloggers, content creators and journalists for Disability Pride Month. Follow these wonderful people if you aren’t already.

It takes a matter of seconds to retweet a tweet or share a post, something that we appreciate more than you know. It’s more than a simple like or share – it’s lifting our voices and it’s showing your support. You’re actively educating yourself and others. By doing that, you’re making a difference.

 

Think about accessibility in everything you do

Accessibility should be an integral part of your life. From making documents accessible, asking a business why they don’t have a ramp, to adding image descriptions to photos of your pets that you’re sharing on social media, accessibility should be part of both your online and offline presence. Whether you’re directly benefited by accessibility or not, it should always be a primary focus. Educate others on accessibility.

You don’t have to have a reason to make your content accessible, it should be something you always do regardless of the situation.

I see lots of people making a conscious effort to make their professional content accessible, but their personal content is the opposite. Accessibility should be part of both your personal and professional lives.

 

Being a disability ally doesn’t mean that you are an expert. it means actively listening to us, showing your support and educating others.

 

We can all do our part to be a good disability ally. I promise you, your support really does make a difference.

 

Holly x