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capri0mniThis last Monday (December 4, 2011) ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
haddayr posted this link to "The Invisible Backpack of Able-Bodied Privilege Checklist" over at the B-tch on Wheels blog:
http://exposingableism.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/the-invisible-backpack-of-able-bodied-privilege-checklist/
I, personally, think it's a fabulous list, and everything on it is true... And you should read it, and think about it, and remember it.
But: a) Its focus is very specific to mobility-based disability (so it misses issues that come up for people with invisible, sensory, or intellectual disabilities) so if I had my druthers, I'd rename it to something like "ambulatory privilege" or "bipedal privilege; and b) while every privilege she lists is important and true, I think that some of the privileges she lists are not quite as important as others (at least, to me).
So, using her list as a template, and keeping the list the same length, here's my take, behind the cut (some of the items on the list are essentially the same, but put into my own words, for clarity, and a few items have been swapped out):
1. If I am invited to someone's private home, I can expect to be as welcome to use the bathrooms, should I need to (with privacy and dignity), as I am welcome to share in the food and drink.
2. If I find myself in an uncomfortable place (either because of the physical environment or the people around me) I can leave easily, without calling extra attention to myself and my vulnerability.
3. If I need to find new housing, I can expect to be able to move to any house and any neighborhood I choose, and not have to worry about whether I will have to spend my life in that house trapped to a single room or set of rooms, dependent on others for daily survival needs (such as bathing and cooking). I do not have to consider moving into permanent residency in a nursing home or hospital.
4. When I enter a store, restaurant, or other commercial establishment, I can expect to be treated as a valued customer, and potential source for future income, instead of an inconvenience or impediment to others.
5. If a stranger asks me a personal, intimate, question about my body, medical history, or way of life, I can refuse to answer without being labeled "rude" or "bitter."
6. If I am moving from one place to another, I can expect to get to my destination eventually without someone physically grabbing me to "hurry me along," or pulling me in another direction.
7. I have progressed / am progressing through my education without having to prove to anyone that I deserve, or can benefit from, said education.
8. I can choose to enter any career that fits my interests and skills, without being seen as a "special burden" to potential employers, before I even attempt the job; hiring me will not be perceived as an act of "Charity."
9. If I ask a question of anyone, it's assumed I will understand the answer, unless and until I, myself, express confusion.
10. People will believe me, for the most part, when I tell them I can, or cannot, do something; no one assumes I am lying or cheating my way through life.
11. I do not have to fear being assaulted because of my ability level. If am abused by a partner I will have a safe place to go if I wish to leave. [Yeah. That one's unchanged]
12. When I approach a building, I can expect to be allowed to enter through the front door; I can expect to be allowed into any building without bringing my own escort or chaperone.
13. If I am teased or bullied because of my body or mannerisms, that is considered the fault of the bully, not me. I am never asked to change my ways or appearance to avoid social or physical violence. I am not considered weird if I am happy with my life and my body.
14. When speaking with medical professionals, can expect them to understand how my body works, to answer my questions, and respect my decisions. [Another one I'm leaving as is]
15. I can choose to travel by any means available that I can afford; I do not have to fear the long-term loss of my independence or safety at journey's end as a consequence of someone's ignorance or negligence.
16. My mere presence in a public space is not considered a danger to others. If there is a safety emergency (such as a fire, earthquake, or terrorist attack), I can reasonably expect that rescue professionals will know what to do to help me escape to safety, and that they will not hesitate to do so.
17. If I am traveling under my own power through a public space open to pedestrians, I can expect open access throughout the route. If I am struck by a motorist, or otherwise injured due to poorly maintained facilities, that will be considered the fault of the motorist, or maintenance crew, and not be held up as an example of how it is unsafe for me-- and people like me-- to be out in public.
18. Once I grow to adulthood, I can expect to be treated as an adult, and that people will speak to directly to me, and will hear and respect the answers I give in response.
19. I will be respected as the expert on my own experience and feelings. Decisions affecting my "quality of life" will not be made based more on the feelings of family or strangers than on my own experience.
20. If I offer help to someone, it is assumed that I am, in fact, capable of helping. I am seen as capable of being charitable as well as receiving charity.
21. All people like me are seen as living lives that are worth living. [Again, that one's unchanged from the original]
haddayr posted this link to "The Invisible Backpack of Able-Bodied Privilege Checklist" over at the B-tch on Wheels blog: http://exposingableism.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/the-invisible-backpack-of-able-bodied-privilege-checklist/
I, personally, think it's a fabulous list, and everything on it is true... And you should read it, and think about it, and remember it.
But: a) Its focus is very specific to mobility-based disability (so it misses issues that come up for people with invisible, sensory, or intellectual disabilities) so if I had my druthers, I'd rename it to something like "ambulatory privilege" or "bipedal privilege; and b) while every privilege she lists is important and true, I think that some of the privileges she lists are not quite as important as others (at least, to me).
So, using her list as a template, and keeping the list the same length, here's my take, behind the cut (some of the items on the list are essentially the same, but put into my own words, for clarity, and a few items have been swapped out):
1. If I am invited to someone's private home, I can expect to be as welcome to use the bathrooms, should I need to (with privacy and dignity), as I am welcome to share in the food and drink.
2. If I find myself in an uncomfortable place (either because of the physical environment or the people around me) I can leave easily, without calling extra attention to myself and my vulnerability.
3. If I need to find new housing, I can expect to be able to move to any house and any neighborhood I choose, and not have to worry about whether I will have to spend my life in that house trapped to a single room or set of rooms, dependent on others for daily survival needs (such as bathing and cooking). I do not have to consider moving into permanent residency in a nursing home or hospital.
4. When I enter a store, restaurant, or other commercial establishment, I can expect to be treated as a valued customer, and potential source for future income, instead of an inconvenience or impediment to others.
5. If a stranger asks me a personal, intimate, question about my body, medical history, or way of life, I can refuse to answer without being labeled "rude" or "bitter."
6. If I am moving from one place to another, I can expect to get to my destination eventually without someone physically grabbing me to "hurry me along," or pulling me in another direction.
7. I have progressed / am progressing through my education without having to prove to anyone that I deserve, or can benefit from, said education.
8. I can choose to enter any career that fits my interests and skills, without being seen as a "special burden" to potential employers, before I even attempt the job; hiring me will not be perceived as an act of "Charity."
9. If I ask a question of anyone, it's assumed I will understand the answer, unless and until I, myself, express confusion.
10. People will believe me, for the most part, when I tell them I can, or cannot, do something; no one assumes I am lying or cheating my way through life.
11. I do not have to fear being assaulted because of my ability level. If am abused by a partner I will have a safe place to go if I wish to leave. [Yeah. That one's unchanged]
12. When I approach a building, I can expect to be allowed to enter through the front door; I can expect to be allowed into any building without bringing my own escort or chaperone.
13. If I am teased or bullied because of my body or mannerisms, that is considered the fault of the bully, not me. I am never asked to change my ways or appearance to avoid social or physical violence. I am not considered weird if I am happy with my life and my body.
14. When speaking with medical professionals, can expect them to understand how my body works, to answer my questions, and respect my decisions. [Another one I'm leaving as is]
15. I can choose to travel by any means available that I can afford; I do not have to fear the long-term loss of my independence or safety at journey's end as a consequence of someone's ignorance or negligence.
16. My mere presence in a public space is not considered a danger to others. If there is a safety emergency (such as a fire, earthquake, or terrorist attack), I can reasonably expect that rescue professionals will know what to do to help me escape to safety, and that they will not hesitate to do so.
17. If I am traveling under my own power through a public space open to pedestrians, I can expect open access throughout the route. If I am struck by a motorist, or otherwise injured due to poorly maintained facilities, that will be considered the fault of the motorist, or maintenance crew, and not be held up as an example of how it is unsafe for me-- and people like me-- to be out in public.
18. Once I grow to adulthood, I can expect to be treated as an adult, and that people will speak to directly to me, and will hear and respect the answers I give in response.
19. I will be respected as the expert on my own experience and feelings. Decisions affecting my "quality of life" will not be made based more on the feelings of family or strangers than on my own experience.
20. If I offer help to someone, it is assumed that I am, in fact, capable of helping. I am seen as capable of being charitable as well as receiving charity.
21. All people like me are seen as living lives that are worth living. [Again, that one's unchanged from the original]
