Why do we want to end steptember?
You might not see the problem with the Steptember campaign, or campaigns like it.
After all, they raise much needed funds for disabled people and research, right?
Sure. But the question that we ask is - at what cost?
Every day, we are refused jobs because we are portrayed as helpless and passive victims of charity and welfare.
Every day, we are segregated and isolated from people who do not see us as members of the community and therefore treat us as 'other'.
Every day, we are subjected to acts of ableism and discrimination which impact upon our lives in a multitude of ways.
The Steptember campaign asks people to do something we can't, reinforcing our difference rather than walking alongside us. We consider it as offensive as a campaign that asks people to stay awake for people with narcolepsy, or a read-a-thon for the blind. It is inappropriate and actively discriminates against disabled people who might like to raise money for a cause. It segregates and isolates us from others, not only via this campaign but by reinforcing stereotypes and attitudes.
People with disability, including people with cerebral palsy, want to be included at all levels, not excluded. We don't want stereotypes about disabled people being victims or passive recipients of welfare and charity. We want to be involved at all levels, even with the organisations that do things 'to and for' us to instead do things 'with' us.
Nothing about us without us. Let's end patronising charity campaigns and ask people with disability to design the campaigns that reinforce people's perceptions about us.
If you want to know how to help end Steptember, click here.
Ending stereotypes about people with cerebral palsy
If you'd like to know how we feel, check out the two videos below.
One is by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, who used their 'Moving Stories' series to raise money - but portrayed disabled people as victims at the same time.
One is by a group of people with cerebral palsy who objected to the series. They are Grit Media, by the No Limits team.
Check them out now.
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