contributions
taking sides
By Natalie Rose Corrigan
People with disabilities are often forced to take sides on issues of which they seem to be the root cause . Do I support stem cell research or do I sell out my disability pride by endorsing it ? Am I for or against euthanasia ? Attempting to blend into society the best we can , while at the same time forced to be our own advocates . A series of contradictions . The International Day of People with Disability ( IDPwD ), held each year on December 3 , is just another in a long list of issues .
I have never been an enthusiast for token ‘ International Days ’. However , last year , I was confronted with having to decide if I want to be a participant . A poster girl for disabilities ; or defiantly opposed . Leading up to the day I received two invitations – the first from my friend and fellow disability activist , Kath Duncan . She wanted to mark December 3 by hosting an event inviting disabled folk to throw down their cause and have fun . For her , IDPwD is a “ nauseating spectacle .”
“ What tends to happen to the day is funding gets thrown at patronising and ridiculous events which are not disability led and where any disabled people involved are generally asked to perform and bare their souls for a free lunch ,” says Duncan . She has a point , people with disabilities live with their disability 365 days a year and to simply throw together an annual event where we repeat the same conversation about the need for improved disability rights , only to forget about it until the following year , is somewhat pointless .
For myself , it became far more complicated when I was approached with the second invitation . 3CR Community Radio approached me to produce something for their annual IDPwD show . I know why I was asked , it ’ s because I have Cerebral Palsy . But , for someone who ’ s almost completed her journalism degree , I ’ d be lying if I said the chance to get producing experience wasn ’ t tempting .
Of course , it wouldn ’ t be a proper IDPwD without a theme assigned by the U . N . The 2016 theme was “ Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want , which draws attention to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals .” I suppose some credit should be given for having specific targets . However , it ’ s difficult to get a precise outline of these goals . A quick glance at the past reveals that the themes are usually the same , revolving around inclusion and accessibility , with no clear outcome produced .
Inevitably , what occurs is a series of panel discussions , luncheons , prize ceremonies , dances , parades , and other funded events – money that could have been spent better elsewhere .
IDPwD is a day conceived with good intentions that are yet to produce tangible results . This is our opportunity to take the day back and actively look at what is IMPROVING disabled lives . NDIS anyone ? For now , a large majority of people with disability remain below the poverty line , unemployed , subject to inadequate services , and most disturbingly , higher rates of sexual and physical abuse .
Last IDPwD left me faced with another decision – I chose not to participate in this spectacle . I took a side , and it wasn ’ t a hard decision . My disability is an integral part of my identity ; I can ’ t escape that , and I ’ m not sure I would if I was given the option , but it ’ s not the only piece of the puzzle . So , what will you be doing next December 3 ?
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