instead of "differently-abled people" we could say "people of determination"
Writer:
Brent Schulkin
Writer Statement:

My friend in Kenya went to a grocery store in 2019 and his mind was blown when he saw a checkout line with a picture of a wheelchair that said, "priority for people of determination." I recently asked him if he still used the term to describe himself, and he responded:

"I DO in fact use it and encourage others around me to do so all the time! I’m obsessed with the term actually, because it speaks to something larger than what others can witness and visually identify as a disability. It speaks to all people who are confronting challenges from within—whether or not anyone else can see those things—anyone really truly determined to overcome barriers to interaction between the physical world and our bodies. I don’t see it being used anywhere else, but wish it was!!!"

So when I decided to create this piece, I consulted with my friend Natasha Walton, founder of Tech Disability Project, as well as Disability Connect. She is the expert, so here is her take on this language:

"Let me preface this by saying that it's totally OK to use the word disabled. Rather than being an insult, this is an identity. It's a protected class. It's a group of some of the most resilient, creative and open-hearted people you'll ever meet. ⁣⁣

Words like 'differently-abled' and 'handi-capable' were invented to create distance from disability, to put a spin on it. To avoid the oppression and discrimination we all see associated with it. But these words only serve to entrench the notion that being disabled is somehow 'bad', that we are 'different' or 'less able'. ⁣(None of which are true!)⁣ 

We don't need pity or a participation trophy. We need access. The world we live in was not built with our brains and bodies in mind. Which means we're required to do extra work in order to negotiate our daily lives. We are *disabled* by inaccessibility.

People of determination is a great term because it acknowledges the fierce resolve and tenacity I must put forth simply to participate. It centers the strength cultivated by my lived experience and reminds me to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacle I may be facing."

The second photo is Ali Stroker, the first wheelchair user on Broadway, holding up her trophy after winning a Tony award.

Inspiration Credit:
Artist:
Brent Schulkin
Artist Statement:
Artist Credits:

Thanks for the original photography: Marcus Aurelius (twice), Tima Miroshnichenko, Marc Mueller, and Ali Stroker.