06/02/2024
Under the medical concept of disability, it is perceived as an impairment in a body system or function that is inherently pathological.
From this perspective, there is a deficit that needs to be "fixed" to the closest standard of "normal".
The medical model suggests that professionals with specialized training are the “experts” in disability. Persons with disability are expected to follow the advice of these “experts.”
In the social model, disability is seen as one aspect of a person’s identity, much like race/ethnicity, gender, etc.
A disability occurs when there is a mismatch between the characteristics of the individual and the configuration of systems, processes and infrastructure.
This where as a society, we need to do better to consider logistics of navigating systems, for the diversity of abilities, to address barriers.
This is the type of work that Aguilar and her team have been doing for a long time now.
Showing up in spaces where policy and decisions affecting large segments of the population, including Latines, whose main form of communication happens in Spanish.
This past weekend, I was able to witness a wonderful event that translates in English to "Let's Talk About Different Abilities". The title itself is a clear statement about inclusiveness and affirming the diversity in the community.
Language justice was at the core of this meeting between institutions and those with lived experiences.
There was a collective effort, providing information about resources in different organizations, as well individuals within those institutions advocating for language access.
Health literacy in Spanish is a well documented barrier, which impacts the quality and access of services and leads to less than optimal outcomes.
This summit was a safe space in which many parents not only raised their voices to advocate for them and their children, but a community building event.
Conversations were fluid and with a strong sense of equity.
Meaningful and long lasting change occurs when the community speaks about their problems and how institutions can do better.
Lived experiences should be at the forefront of policies and legislation.
When we intend to speak on their behalf about what we think "it's best for them", we perpetuate inequities and become obstacles for those voices to be heard.
Congratulations to Grupo Poder y Esperanza for an event that elevated the voices of Latine caregivers and the community with different abilities!
I was able to meet people that I admire from a distance and connect with many I already know.
It is always inspiring to see people inside and outside of institutions getting in "good trouble".
