Rooted in Rights Blog
We’re here to challenge the status quo, pushing readers and writers alike to think beyond the tired tropes of disability. The Rooted in Rights Blog publishes pieces that share perspectives on disability, amplify key issues and ideas, and make it known loud and clear that disability rights are human rights.
- Activism and Advocacy
- Autism and Neurodiversity
- Community Living
- Criminal Justice
- Disability History and Culture
- Disability Vote
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- Relationships and Sex
- Sexual Harassment and Abuse
- Storytellers
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It’s Time to Support People with Disabilities Who Work Rather Than Penalizing Us
On Mothers’ Day 1972, I was backpacking with some friends in the Santa Cruz mountains, following a creek that runs into the Pacific Ocean. It turned into a warm afternoon, and when we came to a pool in the creek,…
I-976 Impacts: “I wouldn’t be able to get where I need to go”
Donavan lives in Lakewood and relies on the Puget Sound region’s connected transit system to get around. “I’m independent and mobile with transit. I can go anywhere without relying on someone.” Donavan attends brain injury support groups in Bremerton, Puyallup,…
I-976 Impacts: “I take Access Transit everywhere”
Gina was a proud rider of the #158 bus from Kent to her job at The Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle. She is blind as well, and says, “Transit brings me the freedom to travel anywhere I need to…
I-976 Impacts: “My life is built on transit”
Tracy grew up in a rural town in upstate New York with no transit options. As a person with low vision, Tracy can’t drive or ride a bike, so she relied on her friends and family to get around. When…
“Essential Functions” on Job Listings Create Barriers for Employees and Employers Alike
Recently, my partner and I sent out a quote to a medical device company that wanted to make sure their product was accessible to people with disabilities. We test websites and apps and make recommendations to developers so that they…
Why A Teacher Carrying a Disabled Student on His Back Shouldn’t Be News
Once again, an abled person recently went viral for including a disabled person in everyday activities. That means it’s (*checks calendar*) a day ending in Y. This time, a teacher is being lavished with praise for volunteering to carry Ryan …
Stop Blaming Mental Illness for Evil Behavior
Content note: mental illness, inpatient psychiatric treatment, gun violence The worst experience of my life occurred during my fourth round of inpatient psychiatric treatment in 2016. Having used up all of my Medicare days at one of the country’s best…
Why Internships Are Important for Young Disabled People: A Reflection from a Rooted in Rights Intern
My experience interning at Rooted In Rights was a great one. During my time there, I gained a lot of skills I can use in the workplace. Here’s just some of what I learned and accomplished: Have a Professional Email…