Feb 18 2025 64 mins
My guest on this episode is disability educator and advocate Amy Webb.
Due to the current events happening at this particular time. Amy and I discuss the ramificaitons of the Texas vs Becerra lawsuit concerning section 504 of federal law. Seventeen states are suing, stating that section 504 is unconstitutional. Section 504 of the law protects disabled individuals from discrimintation. It was passed in 1973 due to incredible disable activists who fought for their rights over 50 years ago and now it is on the brink of being stripped away.
Amy shares some amazing history and thoughts about the disabled community and the dignity and worth they bring to all of us in society. Some of the really important points she brings to the pod are:
*When you design for people on the margins you don't leave anyone out.
*Accommodations for the disabled give to everyone.
*These accomodations don't leave anyone out, and in fact bring inclusion to all.
*What kind of world do we want to live in? The one of giving our most vulnerable civil rights? Or stripping away 50+ years of hard fought for civil rights.
*The disable deserve to be met with dignity and accommodations to get health care, school support etc.
*We must listen to disabled voices and the advocates and activists in the community.
Amy gives two tips to anyone who needs to advocate for the disabled (especially parents):
- Speak up when you can and how it works for you.
- Educate yourself on the disabled community, on laws, on diagnoses that can receive services etc.
Although we talked about a time sensitive issues of the 504 lawsuit, the history talked about and the principles of inclusion and advocacy apply to any situation.
Amy's website:
thislittlemiggy.com
Amy's books:
Crip Camp
https://www.netflix.com/title/81001496