RACE + DISABILITY
Why focus on the intersection of race and disability?
Disability is a common human experience, 20% of Americans have some type of disability. Many disabilities are hidden (such as mental health, intellectual disabilities, autism, chronic illness, traumatic brain injury…). And many people acquire disabilities at some point in their lives through accident, illness or aging. Every organization and group includes people with disabilities.
Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw coined the term “Intersectionality” to describe the experience of living with multiple identities (gender, race, culture, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, etc). We recognize that while there has been more conversation about some intersections (like race and gender) there have been other experiences that are often overlooked, even in conversations about equity (such as the experience of people of color who have disabilities). There is a growing body of research illustrating specific disadvantages experienced by people of color with disabilities. This video features local people of color sharing about their experiences with the disability community.
FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments and The Pittsburgh Foundation are partnering to strengthening our work at the intersection of race and disability, and to better address the needs of people of color with disabilities. We’re excited to invite you to learn along with us in these upcoming free programs!
Race + Disability: Understanding Intersectional Oppression
March 3, 2021, 2-3:30pm ET
Disability occurs in every ethnic and racial group, yet it is often presented as a “white person’s experience.” This workshop will explore why this is so and will dig into the intersection of race and disability and present ableism as a social justice issue. Learn why historical figures of color experiences of disability are often overlooked and explore the current struggles of disabled people of color. Presented by national experts, Andraéa LeVant, Rosemary McDonnell-Horita, and Sofia Webster, all of whom were involved in the Obama Netflix documentary Crip Camp. REGISTER HERE!
Fostering Cultural Humility in Disability Services
April 7, 2021, 2-3:30 ET
This workshop is designed to provide tools and strategies to increase multicultural awareness, knowledge, and the skills necessary to effectively work with and relate to ethnically and culturally diverse clients receiving disability services. Topics covered include intersectionality, disability justice and advocacy, implicit bias, cross-cultural communication, and microaggressions. Cultural Humility will be introduced as a process to help build authentic cross-cultural relationships and will provide a culturally relevant strategic approach to reducing disparities. Presented by Dr. Channing Moreland, Director of the Wellness Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center in Homewood. REGISTER!
School to Prison Pipeline is both a race and disability justice issue – Details coming soon!
Peer exchange: Nonprofit leaders share lessons learned in addressing racial equity in their work – Details coming soon!
Hope to see you there!