Power Grid Blog
INDIVISIBLE – A United Disability Community
September 13, 2012 | Zach Baldwin
“…indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The pledge of allegiance. A standard part of the elementary school experience for most people, but after thousands of repetitions do we truly appreciate exactly what the word “indivisible” means for us as Americans? As human beings? If you look in any dictionary, you’ll find something like this:
in·di·vis·i·ble
Adjective: Unable to be divided or separated.
As Americans, we stand united with our country and fellow citizens against all threats foreign and domestic. As humans, we stand united as residents on this Earth and, while we may not always agree, share the common goal of trying to create a meaningful life for ourselves and the people we care about.
This understanding of the word indivisible also extends to the disability community. As AAPD often says, a united disability community “represents a powerful force for change.” We are people with mobility disabilities, sensory disabilities, intellectual disabilities, invisible disabilities, and more. We are individuals, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, co-workers, and allies. Our community is vast and it is a challenge to find someone without a connection to us. Our issues touch upon aspects of everyone’s life.
This is the theme being reflected through an event being hosted at American University by the school’s Disability Rights Coalition (DRC). The event, which will be held outside on the university’s quad from 2-5pm on Wednesday September 26th, is called Indivisible and will celebrate the diversity of the disability community, recognize that many people have invisible disabilities, and educate the broader DC community about disability issues. Through partnering with various on-campus groups and disability organizations in the DC area, AU’s Disability Rights Coalition hopes to help create a more accessible and inclusive environment for people with disabilities.
If you are a student and need assistance gaining access to your university’s programs or services try contacting your schools disability support services. For American University students, you can contact AU’s Disability Support Services here.
You can learn more about the American University Disability Rights Coalition through Facebook, Twitter, or Wordpress.
Inquiries about Indivisible can be directed to thedrc.au@gmail.com.
