“A space that does not explicitly welcome Black, Indigenous, People of Color (or disabled BIPOC) is not an accessible space for all. The University of Oregon needs to continue making strides to honor and include BIPOC, not maintain oppressive structures.”
“It’s been amazing being involved with such a brilliant group of women/folks [through WOC Zine]. I’ve literally watched some members grow up in the group. They joined the collective in their 20’s and now in their 30’s! Whenever I wonder if I’ve ever contributed anything to this earth, I think about the wonderful community of women of color/folks I’m part of.”
“People treat diagnosis like it’s everything and if you don’t have a diagnosis, that means you don’t have [a disability]. It’s like: no, my symptoms didn’t all suddenly disappear just because you haven’t been able to come to a consensus on what to call this.”
“One of the biggest misconceptions that I run across is people thinking that all autistic people are the same. I think those misconceptions are rooted in how little we’re allowed to participate in media about us. There’s a very narrow view perpetuated by films and television that most, if not all of us, are savants.”
“I feel like people kind of dismiss the thought of disabled people being able to be in a relationship or date... It’s like the possibility never crossed their mind, and they don’t know what to do next. I think the question they really want to ask is: are you capable of having and maintaining a relationship like any other 24 year old?”
“Support creators who are raising awareness, educating through telling the stories of others, or those who are on the front lines fighting for justice and overcoming oppression.”