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Disability Culture Lab

@disabilitylab.bsky.social

DCL is a nonprofit disability media and narrative lab, by and for disabled folks. We exist to dismantle ableism and celebrate disabled community and culture. https://linktr.ee/disabilityculturelab

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 3d ago

For Mariana Ortiz-Padilla, liberation for the disabled Latine community looks like not being an afterthought. Even in disabled spaces, people of color are often left out, and that is why she created the Latinx Disability Association.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 3d ago

For Latine Heritage Month, Cynthia Guerra tells us what liberation for disabled Latine people looks like for them: “Liberation for me means releasing ourselves from the shame of struggle.” They talk about not working past your boundaries in caring for others.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 3d ago

For Latine Heritage Month, @hectormramirez.bsky.social talks about what liberation for disabled Latine people means to them. “For Latine disabled people, liberation during these horrifying times of ICE means choosing LOVE and COURAGE as the foundations for building our lives/homes.”

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 3d ago

For Latine Heritage Month, we ask the question, what does liberation for disabled Latine people look like? Dr. Conchita Hernández Legoretta says that for her it “looks like a future where no one is persecuted, put into concentration camps and separated from our families.”

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 6d ago

The Political Model of Disability is a new lens on disability. We are so grateful to Keely Cat-Wells for breaking down what it means, and lessons for employers, policymakers, and philanthropy. Read this article via Forbes: linktr.ee/DisabilityCu... and the full memo at tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 7d ago

We have ten policy priorities that grew out of our Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. These policies touch on things like building interdependent, joyful communities and creating infrastructure like a National Guaranteed Income. Read the full memo: tinyurl/com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Ten Policy Priorities. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, yellow triangular shapes in the top right corner, and dark teal triangular shapes in the bottom right corner.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 1) Accessible and affordable housing, food, care, education, communication, and joy in our communities as basic human rights. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 1.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 2) Everyone enjoys freedom of movement, with access to communities via free, affordable, and safe mobility aids, public transit, infrastructure, accessible communication, and designated parking. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 2.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 3) Interdependent, joyful communities where bodily autonomy, safety, and care are respected and supported. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 3.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · last wk.

In case you missed it, our deadline for care-related submissions is October 1! You can submit here: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents

Disability Culture Lab@disabilitylab.bsky.social · 4w ago

We’d love submissions at the intersection of disability and care be featured in Disability Culture Currents! We accept opinion, personal essay, and graphic storytelling. Care submissions due October 1, 2026. Visit tinyurl.com/DCCurrents to submit!

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · last wk.

In our Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, we identified key problems that the disability community is facing and solutions that will help us in our fight for liberation. Here are those problems and solutions. Read the whole memo via the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problem: Disabled people across the U.S. are in crisis, forced to live in poverty, and subjected to exclusion and criminalization. Solutions: Everyone has enough to live and thrive, regardless of disability. Disabled people deserve housing, food, transit, meaningful work, community, and joy regardless of our ability to labor for a wage. Deep funding for access and care, and abolition of all carceral systems, including institutionalized health care settings such as forced nursing home and psychiatric facilities, prisons and jails, immigrant detention centers, guardianships, and the family regulation system. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 2.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problems: The U.S. is built on a history of white supremacist, eugenic, disabling violence that continues today. The current Administration is echoing this history and founding of the United States: using eugenic rhetoric and policy, institutionalization, tear gas, guns, and violent arrests as part of its strategy to delegitimize, disappear, mass-disable, and kill us. Solution: Inclusive interdependent communities, that we choose for ourselves, where everyone belongs and has autonomy and control over their own lives. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 3.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problem: Billionaires and their allies in government put profits and power before people, using corporate abuse, state violence, and eugenics to disable people. Solution: An end to sacrifice zones and sacrifice community politics — and a process of accountability and repair for both. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 4.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problem: Capitalism is disabling. It values billionaire profits, power, and production over people. It casts and stigmatizes disabled people as fakers and takers who threaten the bottomline and therefore are not worthy of care, dignity, joy, or investment. Solution: All disabled people have access to the care we need, for ourselves and our loved ones. We are allowed to work, save, and marry freely without tax or penalty; and benefits are tied to need, not work, income, or savings. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 5.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · last wk.

Here are our three priority narratives for the upcoming year that came out of our conversations for the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Read the whole memo via the link in our bio: at tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Our Priority Narratives for the Next Year. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is yellow with dark teal text and dark teal triangular shapes. There is a transparent image of disabled people faded in the background. In the bottom right corner there is the page number, 1.

Text reads, “Our Priority Narratives for the Next Year. 1) Interdependence builds joyful communities resilient to hate and fear. Disabled people are great caregivers, and we have equal value whether we are giving or receiving care. Interdependence, and the radical inclusion that comes with it, is critical to making our communities strong. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is yellow with dark teal text and dark teal triangular shapes. There is a transparent image of disabled people faded in the background. In the bottom right corner there is the page number, 2.

Text reads, “Our Priority Narratives for the Next Year. 2) Disabled people are worthy of dignity, solidarity, and respect just as we are. We deserve everything we need to survive, thrive, and lead and contribute meaningfully — whether or not we contribute to capitalism. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is yellow with dark teal text and dark teal triangular shapes. There is a transparent image of disabled people faded in the background. In the bottom right corner there is the page number, 3.

Text reads, “Our Priority Narratives for the Next Year. 3) The U.S. government is pushing a eugenic agenda — disguised as a health movement — to kill and institutionalize disabled people and mass-disable even more people they deem undesirable. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is yellow with dark teal text and dark teal triangular shapes. There is a transparent image of disabled people faded in the background. In the bottom right corner there is the page number, 4.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · last wk.

For Disability Culture Currents, our Executive Director Meier Galblum Haigh + Managing Director Kenrya Rankin write about The U.S. Political Model of Disability, a new way of understanding disability from DCL’s Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Read more: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.

Text reads: “Systemic oppression — from transphobia, anti-Black racism, and colonialism to capitalism, climate change, and imperialism — is disabling.’ By Meier Galblum Haigh (they/them), Founding Executive Director, Disability Culture Lab and Kenrya Rankin, Managing Director, Disability Culture Lab. “All About The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Link in bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.”

Circular portraits of Meier Galblum Haigh (a white trans-masc nonbinary person with short cropped dark curly hair in a masculine blue suit and light blue linen shirt) and Kenrya Rankin (a dark-skinned Black woman with dark brown locs, wearing rose gold glasses on a chain, purple lipstick, and a shirt with a hot pink, purple, and teal print). The background is light pink with a repeating lightning-bolt pattern and yellow and pink accent lines.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 2w ago

With our Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, we developed The U.S. Political Model of Disability. It’s a new way to think about disability, where we understand that disability is shaped by policy choices made by the people in power. Read the full memo: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 1.

Text reads, “The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Oppression is disabling: Policy and power impact who does and does not become disabled. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 2.

Text reads, “The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Disability is a natural part of life. Disabling another person for profit, convenience, or hate is an act of harm. This does not mean disability itself is inherently negative or positive, but it does acknowledge that many of our paths into disability identity include trauma. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 3.

Text reads, “The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Governments, billionaires, and corporations all shape who is and is not disabled through “sacrifice-zone politics” as well as systems of power, violence, and plunder. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 4.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 2w ago

Today, to ground the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, we’re exploring the big picture of disability in the United States. To truly fight for liberation, we must include disabled people in every movement. Check out the North Star Visioning memo: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Alt Text: Text reads, “Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. The Big Picture. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 1.

Text reads, “The Big Picture. There is no winning on any social justice issues without disabled people at the table, and there is no true liberation without liberation for all. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 2.

The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 1.

Text reads, “The Big Picture. Every social justice issue is a disability issue – both because we exist in every community and because every form of oppression is disabling. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 3.

Text reads, “The Big Picture. Disabled people always have, and always will, exist in every community. Anyone can become disabled at any time. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 4.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 2w ago

As we launch the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, Meier Galblum Haigh, our Executive Director, and Kenrya Rankin, our Managing Director, reflect on the north star process and what they learned from it for Nonprofit Quarterly @npquarterly.bsky.social. linktr.ee/DisabilityCu....

Text reads, “‘We need more than resistance to thrive. To build a better, more accessible and liberatory future in the next 250 years, we need a true north star vision to follow for what justice looks like for disabled people in the United States. In a country where disabled liberation didn’t exist for its first 250 years, we seek to build something new, and we know we cannot do it alone.’ ‘We Convened Disabled Folks to Envision a Radically Inclusive Future. Here’s What We Learned.’ For Nonprofit Quarterly. Meier Galblum Haigh (they/them), Executive Director of Disability Culture Lab. Kenrya Rankin (she/her), Managing Director of Disability Culture Lab. Linktr.ee/DisabilityCultureLab”

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 2w ago

We are so excited to share the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo! Disability Culture Lab convened nearly 50 members of the disability community to dream about our collective liberation and the steps we need to take to get there. You can read the full memo at here: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Introduction. We are in the midst of many overlapping crises right now, as we respond to urgent threats that disable, disappear, and kill our loved ones and neighbors every day. We must block and resist those threats, but we need more than resistance to thrive. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 2.

Text reads, “Introduction. To build a better future, we need a true north star vision for what justice looks like for disabled people in the so-called United States (as well as territories and Indigenous Nations occupied by the United States — all hereafter referred to together in abbreviation as the “U.S.”) — something to fight for, not just against. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 3.

Text reads, “Introduction. This is about more than policy: it’s about every facet of our lives. In a country that values some people over others, and where disabled liberation has never existed, we seek to build something new. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 4.

Text reads, “Introduction. So Disability Culture Lab convened nearly 50 disabled advocates, creatives, organizers, cultural workers, academics, policy makers, and researchers from a range of backgrounds, communities, movements, areas of practice, and identities from across the United States to collectively envision a liberatory future. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 5.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 3w ago

We will soon launch the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, the result of a year of collaborative, cross-disability visioning on liberation! Interested in learning more? Join our community briefing on September 25 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. ET via Zoom. Register: tinyurl.com/DisCoBriefing.

Text reads, “Community Briefing: Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Who: Disability Culture Lab + the Disability Community. What: Briefing on our collaborative vision for disabled liberation. When: September 25, 2026, 12 – 1:30 p.m. ET. Where: Zoom; tinyurl.com/DiscoBriefing. Disability Culture Lab.”

The graphic is dark teal with a transparent image of several disabled people in the background. The text is white and yellow, and there are yellow triangular shapes in the top right corner and pink octagonal shapes in the bottom left.

Interrupting Criminalization @interruptcrim.bsky.social · 3w ago

You can still register for the final Queer (In)Justice reading group session with authors: @dreanyc123.bsky.social @jmogul.bsky.social @kwhitlock.bsky.social ⭐ Whether you’ve read the book or not, come discuss queer power organizing! ⭐ 🗓️ September 30 🕰️ 7–9 p.m. ET 👉🏾 bit.ly/IC-QIJ

Queer Resistance Summer Discussion Group Sept. 30 7pm-9pm ET bit.ly/IC-QIJ

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 4w ago

In case you missed it, our deadline for labor related submissions is tomorrow, Sept 11th! We want to hear your takes on employment workers’ rights, unions, etc. as they relate to disability. Go to tinyurl.com/DCCurrents for more info and how to submit!

Disability Culture Lab@disabilitylab.bsky.social · last mo.

We’d love submissions at the intersection of disability and labor be featured in Disability Culture Currents! We accept opinion, personal essay, and graphic storytelling. Care submissions due September 11, 2026. Visit tinyurl.com/DCCurrents to submit!

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 4w ago

Our Managing Director, Kenrya Rankin, is featured in Colorlines’ DemocracyIs: campaign today. In this interview, she talks about DCL's mission and our very exciting publication, the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, launching on September 23! Read more: tinyurl.com/KenryaColorl...

Text reads, “Diversity alone isn’t enough to resist rising authoritarianism: we need interdependence. We need interdependent communities, and we need culture shifts and policy that promote that interdependence to push back the fascists. Kenrya Rankin (she/her). Managing Director, Disability Culture Lab,” for Colorlines’ DemocracyIs: “From Wedges to Bridges: Why
a Reimagined Democracy Calls for Intersectional Narratives.”

The graphic features a photo of Kenrya Rankin, a Black woman with shoulder length locs wearing glasses and a pink, purple, and teal shirt. The graphic is dark teal with text in white and yellow triangular shapes in the top right corner.

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 4w ago

Johnnie Jae @johnniejae.bsky.social · last mo.

We still owe $1166.59 for rent and the landlord just called to remind us that a late fee of $89 will be charged tomorrow. So I am hoping with all my hopes, that there are folks out there needing some art to spruce up their spaces.

Johnnie Jae@johnniejae.bsky.social · last mo.

Was able to make an $800 dollar payment towards rent, just $1166.59 to go. We have til end of tomorrow before late fee hits. So, I really need to get some art sales going.

Screenshot of payment confirmtation for $800 towards rent.

Long COVID Justice @longcovidjustice.org · last mo.

Quick vaccine update: Appointments are now available at some locations in the U.S. — check Vax Assist for pharmacies in your area: vaxassist.com/find-covid/schedule

Graphic image with green and aqua gradient background and illustrations of two purple hands holding protest signs. One sign says “vaccines are collective care” and the other says “vaccines should be FREE + ACCESSIBLE to EVERYONE.” Below this, a black text box has green text that says: “Find 2026-27 COVID vaccines.” An additional purple/yellow gradient text circle has black text that says: “vaxassist.com/find-covid/schedule. Pre-book now or check back for updates.”

A. Zivarts @nondriver.bsky.social · last mo.

Because so many of us, both within the disability community and outside of it, are impacted by barriers created by car dependency, #WeekWithoutDriving offers us a chance to build relationships and power, all while amplifying our demand for more accessible communities. @disabilitylab.bsky.social

Week Without Driving is About Access: How the Nondriver Movement is Building Disability Power — Disability Culture Lab

People with disabilities are one and a half times less likely to drive than nondisabled people, and two to three times more likely to live in a zero-vehicle household. We use transit and paratransit f...

disabilityculturelab.org

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · last mo.

Read our latest Disability Culture Currents piece, “Week Without Driving is About Access: How the Nondriver Movement is Building Disability Power” by A. Zivarts. In this piece, A. writes about the movement they created in 2021, Week Without Driving. Read the full article: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.

Graphic reads: “We must demand a world where disabled people face less isolation, and we eliminate the barriers that prevent us from getting where we want to go and fully participating in community life. A. Zivarts (any/all). Author, When Driving is Not an Option. ‘Week Without Driving is About Access: How the Nondriver Movement is Building Disability Power.’ Link in bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.”

The graphic is light green with text in dark teal. There is a black and white photo of A. Zivarts, who is a white person with black glasses and short blonde hair.

Marianne Dhenin @mariannedhe.bsky.social · last mo.

Disability justice organizers are turning to immigrant rights groups to guide their interventions and show up for their neighbors amid Trump's anti-immigrant crackdown.

Disabled Organizers Are Facing Down Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Disability justice organizers are turning to immigrant rights groups to guide their interventions and support work.

newsletter.mariannedhenin.com

New Disabled South @newdisabledsouth.org · last mo.

The Disability Justice movement has continued to grow and thrive over the years— and we are so grateful and proud to be in community and collaboration with so many incredible leaders. Check them out below and support! 💥

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · last mo.

Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social · last mo.

Welp, there it is. The CDC is now officially manipulating data and their count of measles deaths in 2026 now stands at ZERO. My understanding of reportable diseases is that the CDC would usually use a state health department’s determination as the final say. The new CDC Director is failing us.

The CDC left two measles-associated Pa. deaths out of its latest count after RFK Jr. sparred with Gov. Shapiro

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has accused Pennsylvania of not cooperating with the CDC in its handling of a measles outbreak.

inquirer.com

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · last mo.

Disability Culture Cabaret 2026 was an absolutely incredible event, and it couldn't have happened without the support of our co-hosts, sponsors, production team, performers, venue, and attendees. Thank you all for showing out for this night of disabled joy and liberation! Photos by Halo Noelle.

Graphic reads: Disability Culture Lab Presents... Disability Culture Cabaret 2026. Co-hosted by Crushing Colonialism and Transform Gender Collective. Thank you to our co-hosts, sponsors, production team, performers, venue, and attendees.
Sponsors: Crushing Colonialism, Transform Gender Collective, The Autistic People of Color Fund, Black Remote She, Crip the Law, Disability@Mozilla + Pridezilla, Foundations for Divergent Minds, Free DC, GoodSigns, National Black Justice Collective, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company.

The black graphic has rainbow text and white sparkles. There are black and white logos of all of the sponsors at the event.

Seven disabled performers on stage at Disability Culture Cabaret 2026. From left to right: Legally Allure, Thunderboi Tsai, Damon Modarres, Lilith Le’Queer, Dev Hill, Daffodil Doe, and Strega Celestina.

Seven people standing on a stage in front of plants and the Disability Culture Lab step-and-repeat, wearing costumes from their performances.

Hosts and Co-hosts on stage. From left to right: Mani Vinson from Transform Gender Collective, Kenrya Rankin from Disability Culture Lab, Jen Deerinwater from Crushing Colonialism, and Meier Galblum Haigh from Disability Culture Lab.

Four people standing and sitting on mobility aids on a stage. Some of them are wearing the “NO: Immigrant Detention, Incarceration, Institutionalization” Disability Culture Lab shirt, and they are addressing a crowd.

Seven people from the production team, the Disability Culture Lab team, and the volunteer team.

Seven people who are sitting on mobility aids and standing wearing the “NO: Immigrant Detention, Incarceration, Institutionalization” Disability Culture Lab shirt.

SN Désirée Cha @sndesireecha.bsky.social · last mo.

without a safe drivable functioning car, i will die out here. disabled, alone, nobody in person as support. mobility is a disability justice issue and also keeps me safer as an immigrant without certificate of citizenship. i need help. please help by sharing. please.

SN Désirée Cha@sndesireecha.bsky.social · last mo.

i need help. all 4 brake pads & rotors need replacement. timing belt last replaced at 90K miles; i bought car used last August with 210K currently on odometer. no timing belt, no car, will die on street. torn axle boot. these are urgent repairs. Goal: $2898 V SNDesiree C $SNDesiree

Health Justice Commons @hjcommons.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Enrollment for our Fall Political Education Series — Understanding and Transforming the Medical Industrial Complex: Rooting in Collective Care — is now open! Enrollment fees are on a sliding scale, and scholarships are available. No one turned away for lack of funds! tinyurl.com/HJCFall26PolEd