“Fighting the Use of Electric Shocks on People with Disabilities” — Vice, 2018, 15:13 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXn6l9fP2dw

A powerful video of disability activists demonstrating against electric shock practices. We learn about the group ADAPT and their pivotal role in securing life-changing accommodations for people with disabilities. This is also a good example of protest tactics and effective civil disobedience. What is perhaps most amazing is that one politician is swayed enough by these demonstrations to co-sponsor a bill outlawing electric shock treatment. Change can happen, but it requires us to passionately pursue our rights even if faced with arrest. These inspirational activists should serve as an example to us all.

How does ability privilege blind us to the injustices faced by the disabled community? What other laws/policies oppress people with disabilities? How can we make the world more accessible and welcoming?

From the video’s description: A new wave of activism by disabled Americans has quickly gained momentum under the Trump administration in response to federal policies they feel are threatening their community on issues ranging from healthcare, to education, to fundamental civil rights. VICE’s Ryan O’Connell, who lives with cerebral palsy, joined hundreds of activists from ADAPT, the largest organizer for disability rights in the U.S., as they staged several days of protest and civil disobedience in Washington D.C.