Although Wesleyan discusses so many issues of social justice and diversity that we often live up to the stereotype of “PCU,” disability and ableism (discrimination against and oppression of people with disabilities) are frequently ignored. Why don’t discussions of disability and ableism surface in the midst of conversations about race, gender, religion, class, and sexuality?
About 7% of Wesleyan students have registered with the Disability Services office. Their disabilities include psychiatric conditions, learning differences, mobility impairments, Autism Spectrum Disorders, chronic illnesses, and more. So why don’t we talk about disability issues on campus?
Despite the university’s efforts, the campus isn’t yet very physically accessible, and therefore, there aren’t many students on campus with visible mobility impairments. Clearly, it’s essential to make the campus more welcoming and accessible with improvements like ramps and elevators. However, there are also many individuals on campus with invisible disabilities who could benefit from improvements to campus (think about sleeping in the Butts with paper-thin walls if you have sensory difficulties, or sitting in uncomfortable chairs for a three-hour lecture class if you have chronic back pain). Many students have disability-related needs that go unacknowledged; before reading this Wespeak, did you know that so many of your fellow students have disabilities?
But don’t despair; Wesleyan is actively improving. Members of Wesleyan Students for Disability Rights (WSDR) have been working with administrators, faculty, staff, and students to make improvements in the physical, social, and academic spheres of campus. Whether it is bringing Ted Kennedy Jr. to talk about disability rights law, leading a workshop at the Social Justice Leadership Conference, or working with ResLife to establish a “quiet hall,” WSDR members are hard at work changing Wesleyan. To continue this work, we need your help! WSDR needs more energetic, creative, and fun members who want to converse about disability, organize events, meet with administrators, enjoy cookies, and fight ableism at Wesleyan and beyond. We consist of a wide range of individuals with and without a variety of disabilities, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in whatever ways suit you best. All are welcome, and we look forward to meeting and working with you!
WSDR meets at 9:15 p.m. every Tuesday, in Usdan 114. For more info, please visit https://sites.google.com/a/wesleyan.edu/wesleyan-students-for-disability-rights/.