We are convinced that “disability” is not a matter of something being “wrong” with the body and mind of a person we would label as “disabled.” But, all the same, it’s misleading to think that “everybody is disabled” in one way or another. Differences are real – but “disability” comes from “barriers” that are constructed and remain intact. These barriers are established and then (mis)used to “label” those who cannot overcome them as being “different” or deficient – as “handicapped” (or worse).

July, 2015. Portoroz, Slovenia

Those who are so “marked” almost inevitably experience “marginality.” Our world becomes one in which there are the “normal” people… and then there are “those others.” Those “special cases,” to which normal rules of order don’t apply. We actually use the persistent existence and presence of barriers to allow this “normalizing” of ourselves to remain unchecked and unchallenged.

You see, when we…