On the day the UN designates as International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Gail Ward celebrates disability activism

Around the world disabled people face multiple barriers to be heard by those who govern us, yet we find ourselves in a world that seemingly increasingly loathes us or others us as if we are not worthy of inclusion.

Eugenics is rising across the globe and nobody bats an eyelid at assisted dying bills flying around corridors of power, a topic which divides our community in equal measure. Disabled lives matter and should never be thrown away because they are seen as a drain on the state resources or we are not productive enough to suit the current economic situation.

Many disabled communities around the globe have some fantastic activists, fighting for our rights, inclusion and justice, from lobbying politicians, to fighting from their beds in ways that are accessible to them or on the streets if they can. In the UK the media silences our actions and words: there are still too many barriers to make it an inclusive world so we can live independent lives without state interference.

During Covid, many were isolating yet thousands were dying too, yet the Government and NHS providers, upon whom we depend, were slapping DNR (do not resuscitate orders) on people entering hospitals. The government allowed people back into care homes across the country, killing thousands of people who were susceptible to catching Covid. Workers were going home daily only to spread Covid either to their families or to their clients in care homes.

As winter approaches and the economy is in recession, we are seeing many waiting for treatments held up during Covid or restricted due to the economy. The government has continually failed to fund our NHS properly for decades, and now it in crisis and being given the last rites, in the rush to privatise it in line with US healthcare interests, and we all know how that will end. Many would do well to read Mo Stewart’s book Cash not Care or Ellen Clifford’s book The War on Disabled People, amongst many others.

Then we have disabled people who are choosing to end their own lives after being terrorised by the Department for Work and Pensions and their ‘hit squad’ of assessors to get them to work, even though many are chronically ill. Many disabled people are unable to reliably sustain work and they know it, perhaps guessing that will kill a few million more off too. This is not a level playing field and needs to be stopped: if you want solutions then listen to what we have to say, instead of continually silencing us.

While many disabled people are drowning in poverty thanks to 12 years of austerity with more to come via the cost of living crisis, many are feeling washed out to sea. But we are their life jackets because our communities support one another and fight for what should be a right, to live in a fully inclusive society and removing the barriers that prevent us living fulfilling lives just like everyone else.

Until this is done, then disabled communities will continue fighting for our recognition, our rights, and to live inclusively and continue to support each other around the globe. Global solidarity to each and every disabled person – and a special thanks to Debbie Abrahams MP who has been a great ally to us all here in the UK for her tenacity in raising our issues.

Disabled people have a wealth of experience and knowledge either from the working environment or from life itself so I think we are best placed to decide ‘what’s best for us’, thanks very much. From supporting each other online, in real life, through assessments or health crises, if you need a life jacket we’re here for you. We won’t let you drown, but your government will.

 Let’s celebrate that and all we have!

Gail Ward is a Disability Rights Campaigner and Difference North East Award Winner 2022.