Black Disabled Lives Matter.
More than half of Black people with disabilities in the United States will be arrested by the time they reach their late 20s.
Research by Erin J. Mccauley, MED, MA (2017) (Graphic by @jtknoxroxs)
We Can't Erase Disability in #BLM
This page includes:
9 Children’s Books Featuring Black & Brown Characters with Disabilities
Where to Donate to Help Black People with Disabilities
Disability and Black Lives Readings
Disability & Black Lives Readings:
“I Am Black, Disabled And Beautiful. Here’s Why I Speak Up For Others With Disabilities” by Huffpost by Nila Morton
Disability 101: Learn about Your Communities by Black Disabled and Proud: College Students with Disabilities
"An Open Letter to the Disability Community on Why Black Lives Matter and Allyship" is a letter to disability groups about Black Lives Matter, while also asking Black disabled people to help connect the two groups
"Why We Need to Talk about Racism as a Mental-Health Trigger" article
"Ramp Your Voice!" is an organization dedicated to issues of race and disability, and how to make a difference, run by Vilissa Thompson
Leroy Moore's interview with Vilissa Thomson about police brutality, Black women with disabilities, and why inclusion of people with disabilities in Black Lives Matter is so important
The Autism Women's Network issues a statement in solidarity with Black Lives Matter
Police Brutality & Disability
When Police Officers Don't Know About the ADA by The Atlantic
Understanding the Policing of Black, Disabled Bodies, by the center for American Progress
An overview of the topic of race, disability, and police violence, with links to reports and statistics
Additional statistics on police shootings and the shooting of police in the U.S., from the BBC.
"Where is Hope?" video about police brutality and disability (this is a link to clips; full documentary rents for $3.99)
"Police Brutality and Disability: When You Can't Comply" blog by Dominick Evans reflecting on what happens when a person can't comply because of a disability
"Disability and Police Terror" is a video showing a performance artist, Lisa Ganser, telling stories of people with disabilities who have been killed by police in the U.S. (this version has captions and audio description)
"9-Year Old Writes for 'Black People Everywhere'" is an article from Minneapolis about a letter from 9-year old Andrew Brundidge to the governor, about his three autistic siblings and worries about what police might do to them
"Police are Murdering Disabled Black People" is an article about Chicago and testimony by citizens to the U.S. Department of Justice
Taking Care of Yourself
List gathered by: BlackDisabledandProud.org
Color-lines printed "4 Self-Care Resources for Days when the World is Terrible," designed to help everyone grieving and working for change
The NCCSD Clearinghouse has published a list of crisis resources, including organizations with TTY or VideoPhone options for Deaf people and those with communication-related disabilities
Find disability student organizations on your campus at DREAM's website.
Take a look at our "Disability 101" resources to connect to a broader community of Black and African American people with disabilities, culturally Deaf Black people, and the disability rights movement. You can also share these resources with counselors, pastors, family, friends, and others in your network of support.
Get a little inspiration with this website's posters that you can download and distribute for free. There are more free posters available from the National Center for College Students with Disabilities.
Where to Donate to Help Black People with Disabilities:
9 Children’s Books Featuring Black & Brown Characters with Disabilities
Hello Goodbye Dog
by Maria Gianferrari and Patrice Barton
Zara’s dog Moose hates to be separated from her. He’s always ready to say hello to her, showing up at school in all kinds of places he isn’t welcome. Even though Moose is always well behaved, each and every time, he has to tell Zara and her friends goodbye after just a few minutes. Finally, Zara has an idea of how Moose won’t have to say goodbye anymore. First, he’ll have to go to his own school, so that he can start being invited to hers. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)
My Brother Charlie
by Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete
Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. National autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly's 10-year-old son, who has autism.
Why Am I Me?
by Paige Britt
A lovely book celebrating humanity and diversity, inviting readers of all ages to imagine a world where there no you or me, only we. If the first step toward healing the world is to build bridges of empathy and celebrate rather than discriminate, Why Am I Me? helps foster a much-needed sense of connection, compassion, and love.
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay
by Cari Best and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Zulay and her friends love to sing and dance. She also loves her new pink shoes and dreams about running so fast in them that she’ll feel like a bird opening her wings. So when her teacher announces that a field day is coming up, she knows she wants to run in her new pink shoes. Her other classmates are surprised by her announcement since Zulay is blind. But another teacher knows that once Zulay learns how to use her new cane on the track, she’ll be able to join the race. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9)
King for a Day
by Rukhsana Khan and Christiane Malik
A boy who lives in Lahore, Pakistan, looks forward to the spring festival of Basant all year. People all over the city will be testing their kite flying skills, and Malik knows he will be king of the festival. This story challenges the stereotype that people with a disability are incapable of standing up for themselves or others. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9).
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
by Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls
When Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was a baby, many people dismissed what he could do. That’s because he was born with only one strong leg. But Emmanuel’s mother had faith that he could still find a way to make his way in the world, despite all the obstacles for disabled people in Ghana. As a child, Emmanuel figured out how to do many things other children did, from playing soccer to even riding a bicycle with his one strong leg. Emmanuel decided to make an incredible journey, riding his bicycle for 400 miles across Ghana, in just 10 days. His activism continues to challenge many people’s ideas about people with physical disabilities.
Special People Special Ways
by Arlene Maguire and Sheila Bailey
Each page portrays positive images of children with various disabilities. Winner of an iParenting Media Award and 2009 Preferred Choice Award by Creative Child Magazine, this book illustrates that beyond our physical limitations is a world of unique gifts for each of us to share. Teachers and parents love to read this book aloud to promote understanding and tolerance at school and at home. The detailed artwork attracts children of all ages.
A Rainbow of Friends
by P.K. Hallinan
Friends come in all colors and sizes; they can be funny or serious, musical or athletic, outgoing or quiet. This book reminds children to celebrate their differences because that is what makes each of us so special. Through colorful illustrations and upbeat verse, author P. K. Hallinan shows that when we celebrate the uniqueness of others, our lives are enriched and the world is a better place for all. Recommended for ages 4 and under.
Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? Dealing with Sensory Overload
by Jennifer Veenendall
Meet Izzy, a feisty first grader, whose behavior is often misunderstood as she tries to cope with sensory overload in her new surroundings. This brightly illustrated book creates an environment that is accepting of students with sensory modulation difficulties, including many on the autism spectrum. It's a great resource for occupational therapists, teachers, and parents to share with children. Resources for adults at the end of the book include definitions of sensory processing and sensory modulation disorder, suggested discussion questions, and lists of related books and websites
Other Orgs, Groups & Pages to Follow:
Checkout more resources of all kinds surrounding Black Disability Rights & Justice on our: