Lots of talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion. What does it mean? The guiding idea behind the movement is to ensure that there is diversity: a presence of differences in any given setting and persons of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic class. Equity ensures that all persons are offered processes and programs that are impartial, fair, and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. Inclusion is the state of being valued, respected, and supported in being one’s authentic self.
Working together across differences achieves better outcomes for everyone.
While the conversation has begun--you will find people of all ages discussing how to be anti-racist or how to properly use gender pronouns--the disabled, the largest marginalized group in the world, is consistently left out of the conversation. In the US, one in four people (26%) have a disability. The lack of representation is most acutely felt in media, for example, only 3.1% of characters on screen are disabled. In children’s television, the statistic is even worse—less than 1% of characters on screen are disabled. The sad truth is that historically the disabled have been pushed aside and have been underserved and ignored. The lack of representation impacts the way disabled children see themselves and the way others interact with them. Media is a powerful force that can include characters with disability, so that all types of bodies and neurodiversity can be normalized. People, disabled or not, can be introduced to disabled characters they can admire and relate to.
Change is coming. We are super excited to share that Disney has introduced a new friend, the character Fig, a deaf gnome who has a passion for music and drumming in the Mickey Mouse Funhouse animated series on Disney Junior. In the introductory episode, entitled, “The Music of the Seasons,” Fig and his sister Olive help Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck understand how he communicates. Preschoolers will also learn about American Sign Language in the show.
Kate Moran, who wrote the episode, has close family members who are deaf. She says that Fig is an amalgam of her deaf and hard of hearing cousins and two deaf drummers she admires. Fig is the kind of character she and her cousins would have liked to see when they were children where any differences are a wonderful addition to the character but not necessarily the defining characteristic of the character. Deaf brothers and advocates Delbert Whetter and Jevon Whetter were consultants in the show’s development and added important direction in the inclusion of ASL. For one thing, the cartoon characters in the show have four, not five fingers. Through personal knowledge of ASL, the Whetters explained that ASL is a language that incorporates body language and facial expressions just as much as it does the hands and fingers. One can communicate in ASL while holding an object, or even when wearing a fingerless mitten This is why it is so important to include authentic, deaf professionals into the creative process. It is the lived life experience of an authentically deaf person who can truly understand the challenges and conditions that deaf characters might find themselves in.
In the disabled community there is a common saying: “Nothing about us without us.” This speaks to the idea that if a story features a disabled character, there should be people involved both behind and in front of the camera who can directly relate to the character.
The introduction of Fig will bring more inclusion to the deaf community. The voices of the unheard can be amplified. Telling stories with diverse and authentic characters challenges stereotypes and provides inspiring role models for the next generation.
Drum on Fig! We will be looking for you on the Mickey Mouse Funhouse.
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Differently Abled? Persons with Disabilities? Disabled?
By Susanne Leary Shoemaker
The language we use to refer to persons with disabilities has impact. Words matter. Inappropriate language has the power to exclude and offend whereas appropriate language is positive and empowering. It is important to raise awareness about appropriate language to use when talking to or about persons with disabilities. Language shapes the perception of disability.
The language of disability has evolved over time and terms that were once commonly used are no longer acceptable. In the late 80s, the US Democratic National Committee created the term “differently abled” as an alternative to “handicapped.” This term was thought to be less offensive than handicapped. Additional cringe-worthy words such as “crippled,” “handicapable,” “accessAble,” “normal,” “retarded,” “insane,” “deformed,” “lame,” “challenged,” “special needs” and so on (too many to list!) were replaced with differently abled. By using the term differently abled, people were trying to eliminate potentially offensive terms.
However, disability inclusion and the appropriate language to use when we talk about disability is an on-going discussion that continues to evolve. Current research and discussion find that despite good intentions, using the term “differently abled” does more harm than good. This euphemistic term promotes the misconceived idea that disability needs to be softened. It is a term that fails to recognize people with disabilities as a valued aspect of diversity and identity. it is a way to avoid talking about disabilities and suggests that using the word disabled is undesirable. The term “differently abled” doesn’t describe what it is meant to describe. We are all differently abled. I might be a good artist, another might be a good athlete, singer, or mathematician. Use of the term is in fact a way to eliminate the discomfort of the person using it. People think that saying differently abled means “different” in a positive way but it actually reinforces the stigma that the worth of persons with disability is related to an ability to compensate for it.
Currently, “people first” language is the most widely accepted language for referring to persons with disabilities. Examples are “people with disabilities” or “person with dyslexia,” “individual with a physical disability,” or “person who uses an alternative method of communication.” Person-first language emphasizes the person, not the disability. It makes a reference to the person or group before the disability. Some people however choose not to adopt person first language. They see and refer to themselves as “Disabled.”
Disabled is defined as having a physical or mental impairment that limits movements, senses, or activities. The term is straightforward and descriptive and does not have connotations of being “lesser” or of condescension. Disability is not an illness or a problem that needs to be fixed or cured.
Replacing the term “differently abled” with “persons with disabilities” or simply “disabled” is more accurate, neutral, and therefore appropriate. Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Communications, Disability Rights Education and Defense fund (DREDF), and creator of the hashtag #saytheword, promotes use of the term “Disabled.”
If not sure, you should ask the person or the group how they choose to identify. Persons with disabilities are not a homogenous group; they may self-identify in different ways. There are exceptions for example when referring to persons who are blind, as “blind persons” or “persons who are blind.” These terms are generally accepted as the appropriate terminology. While this approach creates difficulty in establishing a unified terminology, all identities should be respected and recognized. To an extent, there is not right or wrong answer to the question because it is a matter of personal choice.
The term “politically correct” is defined as the “belief that language and actions that could be offensive to others, especially those relating to sex and race, should be avoided.” We find nothing wrong with trying to avoid offending others.
The problem however is that the individuals who determine what is offensive should be the individuals with disability themselves.
Ultimately, it is most important to change attitudes toward disability rather than simply the wording. Insisting on the use of a specific expression can be problematic. It should not come from someone who does not have personal experience with disability or who hasn’t worked in the disability rights movement. We must be careful not to let non-disabled persons tell disabled persons what to think. As Nicholas Steenhout, disability consultant and media expert says, “You cannot do it without us. Don’t insist on language that makes you feel better without talking to us about it first. Otherwise, you have excluded us. Nothing about us without us.”
The goal is to achieve sustainable and transformative progress in disability inclusion by removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully engaging and participating in all aspects of life and work. It is essential to make disability inclusion a priority. For too long, persons with disabilities have lacked representation and participation, and have been neglected, ignored, or left behind.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susanne Shoemaker, President and CEO
Email: susanne@undercare.com
January 25, 2022
New Rochelle, NY -- Undercare Inc., an emerging designer of adaptive undergarments, bathing suits, and athletic wear, today announced that its accessible easy-on and easy-off underwear line for men has been added to the J.C. Penney lineup and is available for sale. Undercare Founder and CEO, Susanne Leary Shoemaker, is pleased that Penney’s is joining the other large name brand retailers in making adaptive clothing available for disabled customers.
Undercare’s Velcro fastening woven and knit boxers and briefs that fasten with soft and flexible Velcro increase independence and empower persons with disabilities by providing the ability to self-dress while also giving help to caregivers. Difficulty in putting on one’s underwear is a common but not often discussed problem for many due to progressive, permanent, or temporary disability.
Susanne Leary Shoemaker, an artist and teacher by training, attributes coming up with the idea to being able to think spatially and three dimensionally. A few years ago, she observed some older adults struggling to self-dress following a swim class and thought there must be a way to design undergarments that are easier to put on. Her clever patented designs do not require bending, balancing, standing on one leg, or pulling over feet and legs. The garment is put on by first wrapping two ends of the garment around the waist and fastening at center navel with a Velcro tab. This holds the garment in place and frees up both hands for the next step. Next, pull the attached panel from behind, through the legs from back to front, and attach on front right and left sides. Once on, the undergarments can be pulled up and down in one piece, or you can detach the front panel for quick and easy access for toileting needs. Undercare uses the best quality materials including cotton with a touch of spandex (no latex) for superior fit.
It is especially exciting because Undercare breaks many barriers on many levels: its founder is a 65-year old woman “grandpreneur,” introducing a revolutionary, intergenerational product. Undercare is filling a space in fashion that reaches across millennials and boomers. Win, win, win for everyone! People with disabilities are one of the largest minority intersectional groups in the world.
The adaptive market formerly focused on the elderly. While the elderly makes up a portion of the adaptive market, the market reaches across all age demographics. Finding comfortable, quality, stylish clothing was not an option for persons with disabilities who have been long-neglected and overlooked. Available products tended to be loose-fitting, bulky, and unattractive.
In the global trend toward diversity, equity and inclusion, persons with disability are finding their voices and it is making a difference. Christina Mallon, of US Nonprofit Open Style Lab insists that retailers who go adaptive and make moves for social justice will earn customer loyalty. “It’s inclusive; it’s hot,” she says. “The brands that are getting involved now are the brands that will win. Many retailers have been slow to adopt the trend because they are unsure in their understanding and the language of Disability. Undercare is a leader in the adaptive market and says it is essential to make disability inclusion a priority in all areas, including fashion. For too long, persons with disabilities have lacked representation and participation, and have been neglected, ignored, or left behind.
Michelle Wlazlo, Chief Merchandising Officer of JCP says, “What we heard over and over was that our disabled customers want clothing that functions well — that considers sensory issues and dexterity and mobility — but is also fun and fashionable. That was a very important part of this.” Addition of the inclusive, accessible Undercare line to its portfolio fits into the Company's mission to help customers find what they love for less time, money, and effort and to deliver style and value for all hard-working American families, including those with disabilities.
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