19. Disability Isn't A Dirty Word: The Realities of Being Disabled and Navigating Discrimination, Erasure, & Ableism

On episode 19 of A Chat with Uma, I discuss my experience and history as a disabled person, in honor of Disability Pride Month. This is a raw episode, sharing my history with physical, psychiatric, and cognitive disabilities - both lifelong and more recently developed. I share my unfiltered experiences of discrimination, stigma, ableism, and the repercussions of these chronic experiences. I speak at length about the realities of disability justice (or lack thereof) and the need for true unlearning, advocacy, rebuilding, and action. This episode is meant to be a space of reflection, solidarity, validation, and honesty for those who live with disabilities and those who truly desire to advocate for & be an ally for disabled people.

Topics Discussed (+ timestamps):

(00:00:00) Introduction & what inspired this episode

• Contextual episodes:

1. ⁠01. My Full Story: 0 to 26⁠
2. 02-04. My Mental Health Journey: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
3. ⁠05. Yes, I've Done Psychedelics: From Psychonaut to Researcher⁠
4. ⁠06-07. The Ketamine Diaries - OCD, PTSD, Depression, & Chronic Pain: Part. 1,⁠ Part 2
5. 11. Living With Cancer

(00:08:03): Operational definition & discussion of what disabilities are

(00:09:26): Overview of my physical disabilities & their effects; history of misdiagnosis, ableism, and unlearning

(00:24:40): Overview of my psychiatric mental disabilities & their effects

(00:33:14): Overview of my cognitive mental disabilities & their effects

(00:39:14): The pervasive effects of ableism

• Definition of ableism
• Causes and effects of ableism
• Erasure of disability in DEI initiatives
• Extreme discrimination faced by disabled people
• Why disabled people are the least supported amongst marginalized communities
• The harsh reality of disabled humans
• Lack of accountability in change & domino effect
• Stigmas and misperceptions perpetuated against disabled people
• The immense need for disability justice

(01:01:27): Calls to action for changes, talking about future & further advocacy

Some Disability Resources & Advocates:

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