iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The Political Model of Disability is a new lens on disability. We are so grateful to Keely Cat-Wells for breaking down what it means, and lessons for employers, policymakers, and philanthropy. Read this article via Forbes: linktr.ee/DisabilityCu... and the full memo at tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

These are our final three policy priorities from the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Read the full memo at the link in our bio: tinyurl/com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 8) Fully- and publicly-funded universal healthcare system — such as VA For All or Medicare For All — that guarantees quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare that values our lives; allows people to live independently in our homes and communities; and isn’t tied to employment. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 8.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 9) A national fund to revolutionize clean air indoors across the United States, including well-funded national standards for all public buildings, hospitals, transit, grocery stores, and businesses to allow upgrades without hardship. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 9.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 10) Accountability, repair, and reparations for both current and historic violence and harms that continue to oppress, disable, and traumatize our communities. This includes: Ending Sacrifice Zone politics, supporting the LandBack Movement and the Black Reparations Movement. Investment in public and cross-movement education on emotional regulation and repair to ensure interpersonal and interorganizational strength to stop perpetuating the cycles of harm and oppression. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 10.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Here are more of our policy priorities from the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Read the full memo at the link in our bio: tinyurl/com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 4) Everyone can find and do meaningful work that aligns with our abilities and interests, regardless of ability to earn a wage. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 4.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 5) The abolition of institutionalization and pipelines to incarceration for disabled people including conservatorship, forced treatment, nursing homes, jails and prisons, immigrant detention, and the family regulation system. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 5.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 6) A new era of abundant funding for radically inclusive community infrastructure at every level of community and government. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 6.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 7) A National Guaranteed Income for all that does not reduce or impact SSI or SSDI payments or benefit eligibility. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 7.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

We have ten policy priorities that grew out of our Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. These policies touch on things like building interdependent, joyful communities and creating infrastructure like a National Guaranteed Income. Read the full memo: tinyurl/com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Ten Policy Priorities. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, yellow triangular shapes in the top right corner, and dark teal triangular shapes in the bottom right corner.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 1) Accessible and affordable housing, food, care, education, communication, and joy in our communities as basic human rights. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 1.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 2) Everyone enjoys freedom of movement, with access to communities via free, affordable, and safe mobility aids, public transit, infrastructure, accessible communication, and designated parking. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 2.

Text reads, “Ten Policy Priorities. 3) Interdependent, joyful communities where bodily autonomy, safety, and care are respected and supported. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the top right corner there is the number 3.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Here are more key problems and solutions from our Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Read the whole memo via the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Disabled people — especially multi-marginalized disabled people — are excluded from shaping the systems, programs, and institutions that most impact our lives. True inclusion is rare, and basic civil and human rights require a fight. Solution: Representative disability leadership, reflecting our values, is embedded everywhere. From government to media, and social movements to business, and entertainment to the disability community. Our rising and established leaders and organizations are well-resourced for growth and inclusion, and are responsive to the people we serve because we have ongoing, sustainable, community-centric funding from diverse sources. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 6.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problem: We pay more just to live (the “disability tax”) while being denied fair wages, meaningful employment alongside nondisabled peers, opportunities for advancement, marriage equality, benefits that meet our needs, and access and inclusion in our economy as a whole. This means that we often lack access to safe housing, food, education, transit, community, and joy. Solutions: Deep funding for access and care, and abolition of all carceral systems, including institutionalized health care settings such as forced nursing home and psychiatric facilities, prisons and jails, immigrant detention centers, guardianships, and the family regulation system. We need more than accommodations. We need radical inclusion policy, culture, and design everywhere — from social movements and boardrooms and media to culture and education and democratic processes. That means we proactively build inclusive spaces and communities that work for our bodyminds, rather than waiting for expensive legal accommodation requests to force access. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 7.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problem: Billionaires and their government allies are using fear, pity, and hatred to divide us and our communities, ranking us as more or less deserving of belonging, support, and access. Asking for basic needs to be met is cast as thinking we’re special, trying to skip the line, or begging for extras. Solution: We need more than accommodations. We need radical inclusion policy, culture, and design everywhere — from social movements and boardrooms and media to culture and education and democratic processes. That means we proactively build inclusive spaces and communities that work for our bodyminds, rather than waiting for expensive legal accommodation requests to force access. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 8.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problem: The disability community isn’t united. It includes too many members invested in patriarchal norms and hierarchies; centering white, heterosexual, cisgender, disabled people (or even non-disabled caregivers), and ignoring the presence and needs of the multi-marginalized among us. Solution: We are united in cross-disability solidarity, and have done the work to combat internal discrimination, such as fatphobia, racism, classism, transphobia, queerphobia, ageism, anti-youth ageism, sanism, xenophobia, ableism, and religious discrimination. Cross-movement solidarity where the principles of Disability Justice are embedded in every social justice movement, and all disability organizing and advocacy is grounded in, and working for, liberation for all — especially for those most negatively impacted by the state and institutions. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 9.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

In our Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, we identified key problems that the disability community is facing and solutions that will help us in our fight for liberation. Here are those problems and solutions. Read the whole memo via the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problem: Disabled people across the U.S. are in crisis, forced to live in poverty, and subjected to exclusion and criminalization. Solutions: Everyone has enough to live and thrive, regardless of disability. Disabled people deserve housing, food, transit, meaningful work, community, and joy regardless of our ability to labor for a wage. Deep funding for access and care, and abolition of all carceral systems, including institutionalized health care settings such as forced nursing home and psychiatric facilities, prisons and jails, immigrant detention centers, guardianships, and the family regulation system. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 2.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problems: The U.S. is built on a history of white supremacist, eugenic, disabling violence that continues today. The current Administration is echoing this history and founding of the United States: using eugenic rhetoric and policy, institutionalization, tear gas, guns, and violent arrests as part of its strategy to delegitimize, disappear, mass-disable, and kill us. Solution: Inclusive interdependent communities, that we choose for ourselves, where everyone belongs and has autonomy and control over their own lives. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 3.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problem: Billionaires and their allies in government put profits and power before people, using corporate abuse, state violence, and eugenics to disable people. Solution: An end to sacrifice zones and sacrifice community politics — and a process of accountability and repair for both. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 4.

Text reads, “Problems + Solutions. Problem: Capitalism is disabling. It values billionaire profits, power, and production over people. It casts and stigmatizes disabled people as fakers and takers who threaten the bottomline and therefore are not worthy of care, dignity, joy, or investment. Solution: All disabled people have access to the care we need, for ourselves and our loved ones. We are allowed to work, save, and marry freely without tax or penalty; and benefits are tied to need, not work, income, or savings. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal on the top and off white on the bottom with dark teal and yellow text and dark teal and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 5.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Here are our three priority narratives for the upcoming year that came out of our conversations for the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Read the whole memo via the link in our bio: at tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Our Priority Narratives for the Next Year. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is yellow with dark teal text and dark teal triangular shapes. There is a transparent image of disabled people faded in the background. In the bottom right corner there is the page number, 1.

Text reads, “Our Priority Narratives for the Next Year. 1) Interdependence builds joyful communities resilient to hate and fear. Disabled people are great caregivers, and we have equal value whether we are giving or receiving care. Interdependence, and the radical inclusion that comes with it, is critical to making our communities strong. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is yellow with dark teal text and dark teal triangular shapes. There is a transparent image of disabled people faded in the background. In the bottom right corner there is the page number, 2.

Text reads, “Our Priority Narratives for the Next Year. 2) Disabled people are worthy of dignity, solidarity, and respect just as we are. We deserve everything we need to survive, thrive, and lead and contribute meaningfully — whether or not we contribute to capitalism. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is yellow with dark teal text and dark teal triangular shapes. There is a transparent image of disabled people faded in the background. In the bottom right corner there is the page number, 3.

Text reads, “Our Priority Narratives for the Next Year. 3) The U.S. government is pushing a eugenic agenda — disguised as a health movement — to kill and institutionalize disabled people and mass-disable even more people they deem undesirable. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is yellow with dark teal text and dark teal triangular shapes. There is a transparent image of disabled people faded in the background. In the bottom right corner there is the page number, 4.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

For Disability Culture Currents, our Executive Director Meier Galblum Haigh + Managing Director Kenrya Rankin write about The U.S. Political Model of Disability, a new way of understanding disability from DCL’s Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Read more: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.

Text reads: “Systemic oppression — from transphobia, anti-Black racism, and colonialism to capitalism, climate change, and imperialism — is disabling.’ By Meier Galblum Haigh (they/them), Founding Executive Director, Disability Culture Lab and Kenrya Rankin, Managing Director, Disability Culture Lab. “All About The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Link in bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.”

Circular portraits of Meier Galblum Haigh (a white trans-masc nonbinary person with short cropped dark curly hair in a masculine blue suit and light blue linen shirt) and Kenrya Rankin (a dark-skinned Black woman with dark brown locs, wearing rose gold glasses on a chain, purple lipstick, and a shirt with a hot pink, purple, and teal print). The background is light pink with a repeating lightning-bolt pattern and yellow and pink accent lines.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

With our Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, we developed The U.S. Political Model of Disability. It’s a new way to think about disability, where we understand that disability is shaped by policy choices made by the people in power. Read the full memo: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 1.

Text reads, “The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Oppression is disabling: Policy and power impact who does and does not become disabled. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 2.

Text reads, “The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Disability is a natural part of life. Disabling another person for profit, convenience, or hate is an act of harm. This does not mean disability itself is inherently negative or positive, but it does acknowledge that many of our paths into disability identity include trauma. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 3.

Text reads, “The U.S. Political Model of Disability. Governments, billionaires, and corporations all shape who is and is not disabled through “sacrifice-zone politics” as well as systems of power, violence, and plunder. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 4.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Here’s more about the big picture of disability in The United States: Check out the North Star Visioning memo at the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “The Big Picture. Disabled joy and community are revolutionary, and essential, in the face of rising attempts to institutionalize and eliminate us. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 5.

Text reads, “The Big Picture. From polluting data centers intentionally placed in Black communities to unmitigated COVID-19 transmission to the inhumane conditions of immigration detention, media outlets often miss the full story — disability doesn’t end when the cameras are turned off. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 6.

Text reads, “The Big Picture. From transphobia and racism to colonialism and capitalism, every form of oppression is disabling. Whether via state violence or the cumulative effects of discrimination, and whether delivered via interpersonal violence, corporate neglect, or forced poverty, disability is the result of every oppression story. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 7.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Today, to ground the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, we’re exploring the big picture of disability in the United States. To truly fight for liberation, we must include disabled people in every movement. Check out the North Star Visioning memo: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Alt Text: Text reads, “Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. The Big Picture. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 1.

Text reads, “The Big Picture. There is no winning on any social justice issues without disabled people at the table, and there is no true liberation without liberation for all. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 2.

The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 1.

Text reads, “The Big Picture. Every social justice issue is a disability issue – both because we exist in every community and because every form of oppression is disabling. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 3.

Text reads, “The Big Picture. Disabled people always have, and always will, exist in every community. Anyone can become disabled at any time. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.”

Image Description: The graphic is dark teal with yellow text and yellow triangular shapes. In the bottom right corner, there is the page number, 4.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

As we launch the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, Meier Galblum Haigh, our Executive Director, and Kenrya Rankin, our Managing Director, reflect on the north star process and what they learned from it for Nonprofit Quarterly @npquarterly.bsky.social. linktr.ee/DisabilityCu....

Text reads, “‘We need more than resistance to thrive. To build a better, more accessible and liberatory future in the next 250 years, we need a true north star vision to follow for what justice looks like for disabled people in the United States. In a country where disabled liberation didn’t exist for its first 250 years, we seek to build something new, and we know we cannot do it alone.’ ‘We Convened Disabled Folks to Envision a Radically Inclusive Future. Here’s What We Learned.’ For Nonprofit Quarterly. Meier Galblum Haigh (they/them), Executive Director of Disability Culture Lab. Kenrya Rankin (she/her), Managing Director of Disability Culture Lab. Linktr.ee/DisabilityCultureLab”

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Here’s our continued introduction to the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. You can read the full memo at here: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Introduction. The goal was to land on a shared collective vision of what winning looks like for the disability community that we can all organize, create, and build around together. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 6.

Text reads, “Introduction. Nominations for participation in this process came from grassroots disability justice groups, artists, funders, organizers, and the Disability Culture Lab community. Our group does not, and cannot, represent the entirety of the disability experience in the United States, though we have done our best in leadership, visioning, and editing to ensure representation from across as many parts of our community as possible. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 7.

Text reads, “Introduction. No AI was used in the creation of this document; it was visioned, created, and edited by humans in our community. There is also a Plain Language version of this memo that was created the same way. Content warning: this document contains discussions of eugenics, ableism, white supremacy, racism, and violence. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV." The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 8.

Text reads, “Introduction. This project was co-led by Kenrya Rankin and Meier Galblum Haigh of Disability Culture Lab. Wren Brooks, Sky Cubacub, Marissa Ditkowsky, Dennis Tran, Kay Ulanday Barrett, and Jasmine Williams-Jacobs served as Community Editors. This North Star Visioning was made possible by the support of the Ford Foundation’s Creativity and Freedom of Expression team. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 9.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

We are so excited to share the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo! Disability Culture Lab convened nearly 50 members of the disability community to dream about our collective liberation and the steps we need to take to get there. You can read the full memo at here: tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.

Text reads, “Introduction. We are in the midst of many overlapping crises right now, as we respond to urgent threats that disable, disappear, and kill our loved ones and neighbors every day. We must block and resist those threats, but we need more than resistance to thrive. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 2.

Text reads, “Introduction. To build a better future, we need a true north star vision for what justice looks like for disabled people in the so-called United States (as well as territories and Indigenous Nations occupied by the United States — all hereafter referred to together in abbreviation as the “U.S.”) — something to fight for, not just against. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 3.

Text reads, “Introduction. This is about more than policy: it’s about every facet of our lives. In a country that values some people over others, and where disabled liberation has never existed, we seek to build something new. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 4.

Text reads, “Introduction. So Disability Culture Lab convened nearly 50 disabled advocates, creatives, organizers, cultural workers, academics, policy makers, and researchers from a range of backgrounds, communities, movements, areas of practice, and identities from across the United States to collectively envision a liberatory future. Tinyurl.com/DisCoNSV.” The graphic is off-white with text in dark teal, and yellow and teal shapes next to the page number, 5.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We will soon launch the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, the result of a year of collaborative, cross-disability visioning on liberation! Interested in learning more? Join our community briefing on September 25 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. ET via Zoom. Register: tinyurl.com/DisCoBriefing.

Text reads, “Community Briefing: Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo. Who: Disability Culture Lab + the Disability Community. What: Briefing on our collaborative vision for disabled liberation. When: September 25, 2026, 12 – 1:30 p.m. ET. Where: Zoom; tinyurl.com/DiscoBriefing. Disability Culture Lab.”

The graphic is dark teal with a transparent image of several disabled people in the background. The text is white and yellow, and there are yellow triangular shapes in the top right corner and pink octagonal shapes in the bottom left.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Our Managing Director, Kenrya Rankin, is featured in Colorlines’ DemocracyIs: campaign today. In this interview, she talks about DCL's mission and our very exciting publication, the Disability Community + Movement North Star Memo, launching on September 23! Read more: tinyurl.com/KenryaColorl...

Text reads, “Diversity alone isn’t enough to resist rising authoritarianism: we need interdependence. We need interdependent communities, and we need culture shifts and policy that promote that interdependence to push back the fascists. Kenrya Rankin (she/her). Managing Director, Disability Culture Lab,” for Colorlines’ DemocracyIs: “From Wedges to Bridges: Why
a Reimagined Democracy Calls for Intersectional Narratives.”

The graphic features a photo of Kenrya Rankin, a Black woman with shoulder length locs wearing glasses and a pink, purple, and teal shirt. The graphic is dark teal with text in white and yellow triangular shapes in the top right corner.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

We’d love submissions at the intersection of disability and care be featured in Disability Culture Currents! We accept opinion, personal essay, and graphic storytelling. Care submissions due October 1, 2026. Visit tinyurl.com/DCCurrents to submit!

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Read our latest Disability Culture Currents piece, “Week Without Driving is About Access: How the Nondriver Movement is Building Disability Power” by A. Zivarts. In this piece, A. writes about the movement they created in 2021, Week Without Driving. Read the full article: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.

Graphic reads: “We must demand a world where disabled people face less isolation, and we eliminate the barriers that prevent us from getting where we want to go and fully participating in community life. A. Zivarts (any/all). Author, When Driving is Not an Option. ‘Week Without Driving is About Access: How the Nondriver Movement is Building Disability Power.’ Link in bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.”

The graphic is light green with text in dark teal. There is a black and white photo of A. Zivarts, who is a white person with black glasses and short blonde hair.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We’d love submissions at the intersection of disability and labor be featured in Disability Culture Currents! We accept opinion, personal essay, and graphic storytelling. Care submissions due September 11, 2026. Visit tinyurl.com/DCCurrents to submit!

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Disability Culture Cabaret 2026 was an absolutely incredible event, and it couldn't have happened without the support of our co-hosts, sponsors, production team, performers, venue, and attendees. Thank you all for showing out for this night of disabled joy and liberation! Photos by Halo Noelle.

Graphic reads: Disability Culture Lab Presents... Disability Culture Cabaret 2026. Co-hosted by Crushing Colonialism and Transform Gender Collective. Thank you to our co-hosts, sponsors, production team, performers, venue, and attendees.
Sponsors: Crushing Colonialism, Transform Gender Collective, The Autistic People of Color Fund, Black Remote She, Crip the Law, Disability@Mozilla + Pridezilla, Foundations for Divergent Minds, Free DC, GoodSigns, National Black Justice Collective, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company.

The black graphic has rainbow text and white sparkles. There are black and white logos of all of the sponsors at the event.

Seven disabled performers on stage at Disability Culture Cabaret 2026. From left to right: Legally Allure, Thunderboi Tsai, Damon Modarres, Lilith Le’Queer, Dev Hill, Daffodil Doe, and Strega Celestina.

Seven people standing on a stage in front of plants and the Disability Culture Lab step-and-repeat, wearing costumes from their performances.

Hosts and Co-hosts on stage. From left to right: Mani Vinson from Transform Gender Collective, Kenrya Rankin from Disability Culture Lab, Jen Deerinwater from Crushing Colonialism, and Meier Galblum Haigh from Disability Culture Lab.

Four people standing and sitting on mobility aids on a stage. Some of them are wearing the “NO: Immigrant Detention, Incarceration, Institutionalization” Disability Culture Lab shirt, and they are addressing a crowd.

Seven people from the production team, the Disability Culture Lab team, and the volunteer team.

Seven people who are sitting on mobility aids and standing wearing the “NO: Immigrant Detention, Incarceration, Institutionalization” Disability Culture Lab shirt.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Happy August! Disability Culture Lab is taking a rest from social media, Disability Culture Currents, and our newsletter from August 12-23 — and a week fully offline from the 17-21st. We’ll see you on the 24th. How are you resting and recharging this August?

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

In a new piece for Disability Culture Currents, Mustafa Rfat explores how language access is essential for refugees with disabilities. Without language access, refugees with disabilities are left without their fundamental rights. Read the full piece: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents

Graphic reads: “For us, language access can mean the difference between safety and vulnerability. When refugees cannot communicate effectively, the consequences can be deadly. Mustafa Rfat (he/him), professor and disability and refugee advocate. ‘For Refugees With Disabilities, Language Access Is a Matter of Life and Death.’ Link in bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.” The graphic has a light blue blue background with a subtle lightning bolt pattern and a dark teal shape with white text on top of it.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

It's not too late to get your free ticket for Disability Culture Cabaret 2026, tonight from 6 – 9 p.m. ET at Sycamore + Oak in D.C. and on livestream! RSVP at tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026 for an in-person or virtual ticket. Come celebrate disabled joy with us during this Disability Pride Month!

Graphic reads: Disability Culture Lab Presents... Disability Culture Cabaret 2026. July 31, 2026 from 6 to 9 p.m. ET. Access info: Pay what you can, outdoor venue, Livestream, negative COVID-19 test required for entry, food and drink available for purchase, wheelchair-accessible and gender neutral bathrooms available, masks required and provided for indoor spaces/bathrooms, scent-free performance space, ASL and CART and live audio description, wheelchair accessible, Metro-accessible and street and lot parking, 18-plus event.

The black graphic features purple- and orange-gloved hands and white starbursts. The text is rainbow colored.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Unable to join us in person for Disability Culture Cabaret? You can still soak up all this disabled, queer joy through our livestream! RSVP at tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026 for a virtual ticket for this Friday, 7/31 from 6-9 p.m. ET. We will have ASL + CART + Live Audio Description.

Graphic reads: Disability Culture Lab Presents... Disability Culture Cabaret 2026. Co-hosted by Crushing Colonialism and Transform Gender. Join us via livestream. Livestream on July 31, 6 to 9 p.m. ET. RSVP for the link. tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026. Sponsors: Crushing Colonialism, Transform Gender Collective, The Autistic People of Color Fund, Black Remote She, Crip the Law, Disability@Mozilla + Pridezilla, Foundations for Divergent Minds, Free DC, GoodSigns, National Black Justice Collective, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. The black graphic features rainbow text. There are black and white logos of all of the sponsors at the event.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Want to attend our Disability Culture Cabaret this Friday, but need help getting there? We have rideshare vouchers available that include WAV travel. Just indicate that you need a ride when you RSVP, and we will send you a code, while supplies last. RSVP today: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026!

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

If you’re joining us in person this Friday 7/31, 6-9 p.m. at Sycamore + Oak for Disability Culture Cabaret 2026, you’ll have the chance to enter our raffle! Every donation to a sponsor or mutual aid campaign during the event will scores you one ticket. RSVP: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026.

Graphic reads: Disability Culture Lab Presents... Disability Culture Cabaret 2026. July 31 at Sycamore and Oak, Washington, D.C. and livestream on YouTube. Access info: Pay what you can, outdoor venue, Livestream, negative COVID-19 test required for entry, food and drink available for purchase, wheelchair-accessible and gender neutral bathrooms available, masks required and provided for indoor spaces/bathrooms, scent-free performance space, ASL and CART and audio description, wheelchair accessible, Metro-accessible and street and lot parking, 18-plus event. The black graphic features purple- and orange-gloved hands and white starbursts. The text is rainbow colored.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Please welcome our emcee for Disability Culture Cabaret...April Clare! April is the Events and Logistics Coordinator at the American Association of People with Disabilities and a sapphic Asian book club moderator. RSVP at the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

From medical neglect in ICE detention centers to the violence of kidnapping immigrant community members, the U.S. government is actively disabling and killing members of our community. Immigrant Justice is Racial Justice is Disability Justice. We must fight to abolish ICE and fund care over cages.

Text reads, “Disabled immigrants are greatly impacted by the violence of ICE, both by being brutally targeted and kidnapped by ICE in the streets as well as being denied necessary medical care including medication and access to assistive devices. They are also frequently punished for being disabled within detention centers, such as being forced into solitary confinement. Source: VisaVerge.” A dark blue, light green, light yellow, and white image with the number “2” in the bottom right corner.

Text reads, “The state violence targeting communities of color further disables people via kidnapping and detention. The trauma of being targeted by ICE and the state can deeply impact mental and physical health, including giving people PTSD. Because of this trauma and medical neglect, people with disabilities frequently experience a decrease in their mental health baseline after being detained. Source: BMC Psychiatry.” A dark blue, light green, light yellow, and white image with a white arrow and the number “3” in the bottom right corner.

Text reads, “Immigrant Justice is Racial Justice is Disability Justice. We must fight to abolish ICE and fund care over cages. Here are some great organizations to support: National Immigrant Justice Center (@ImmigrantJustice), Access Living’s Immigration and Disability Task Force (@AccessLiving), Detention Watch Network (@DetentionWatch).” A dark blue, light green, light yellow, and white image with the number “4” in the bottom right corner.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Please welcome our DJ for Disability Culture Cabaret...CYB3R T0NIN, multidimensional sonic explorer native to Washington, DC. Her style draws from the fluidity of animation, where rhythm follows feeling and every beat tells a story. RSVP at the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Introducing our next performer for Disability Culture Cabaret...Thunderboi Tsai! They are a Maryland-based, autistic, Afro-Latine, Two-Spirit, sapphic King-Thing ‘con mucho swing’ performing in the DMV scene since 2020. RSVP at the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Introducing our next performer for Disability Culture Cabaret...Strega Celestina! This Supernova Sorceress is known for weaving together unapologetic power and ethereal grace on the stage. RSVP at the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Introducing our next performer for Disability Culture Cabaret...Legally Allure! Allure is a Black Deaf Woman of Trans Experience Burlesque Performer, Content Creator and Deaf Interpreter. RSVP at the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026. We’re excited to have Allure join us this year!

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Today is the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As we honor the incredible labor it took to pass the ADA, we also recognize that law has never equaled access for many of us who are multi-marginalized and disabled. We must move towards radical inclusion for all of us.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Introducing our next performer for Disability Culture Cabaret...Damon Modarres! Damon is a singer, songwriter, and producer based in the DMV. He is part of the hip-hop/R&B/afro collective “242”. RSVP at the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026. We’re excited to have Damon join us this year!

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

In a new Disability Culture Currents piece, Anita Cameron, a long-time disability justice activist who was part of the fight for the ADA, reflects on the disparities in access between white communities and communities of color in the 36 years of the ADA. Read more: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.

Text reading “Too often, we talk about disability and disability issues as if disabled people are all white. We call disability the “Great Equalizer,” but even among disabled people, it’s clear there’s not yet true equality or equity.’ by Anita Cameron (they/them), Disability Justice Actvist, in ‘The Inequality of the ADA.’ Link in bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.”

Image description: There is a white text bubble with a quote from the piece and a black and white image of Anita Cameron against a blue background with a lightning bolt pattern.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Welcome our next performer for Disability Culture Cabaret...Daffodil Doe! Daffodil is a disabled nonbinary butch lesbian and a drag queen/clown! They do physical comedy and dance based numbers when his body lets him and more prop comedy when it doesn't. RSVP here: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Introducing our next headliner for Disability Culture Cabaret...Lilith Le‘Queer! Lilith is a decadent delight with a multimedia mind—an award-winning food artist turned burlesque baddie who’s been serving up sugar, sensuality, and delicious chaos for two+ years. RSVP: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Introducing our first headliner for Disability Culture Cabaret...Dev Hill! Dev is a visually impaired professional dancer, teacher, choreographer, and accessibility advocate. We’re so excited to have them joining us for this year’s Cabaret! RSVP here: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Transphobia is disabling and the U.S. government is further disabling Trans people through its violence. In the face of these attacks, we need to support disabled Trans people through mutual aid and centering disabled Trans joy, community, and resistance!

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Introducing the lineup for Disability Culture Cabaret: Emcee April Clare + DJ Cyb3r.t0nin, headliners Dev Hill + Lilith Le’Queer + performers Daffodil Doe, Damon Modarres, Legally Allure, Strega Celestina, Thunderboi Tsai, Walker, Cyb3r.t0nin + Walker, Texas BangHer. RSVP: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Disability Culture Cabaret is an accessible night of disabled and queer joy, featuring drag, burlesque, music, art, and more. We’ll build community, experience joy as resistance, and enjoy the show as an act of collective care. RSVP now at tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026 at the link in our bio!

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

We're diving into how anti-Black racism is disabling. In addition to state violence and the stress of discrimination, even in the disabled community disabled Black people are ignored. Support disabled Black folks through mutual aid and uplifting the work of disabled Black organizers and artists!

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

In a new piece for Currents, Ise Pinka explores their relationship with how their body is perceived as a disabled Trans person, and how that's impacted by which mobility aids they choose to use each day. Read more at tinyurl.com/DCCurrents at the link in our bio.

Text reading: “New! On Currents. ‘Do I leave without any mobility aid? Do I take the crutches? Or do I sit in the wheelchair? This is an existential choice: the decision determines how much of a self I can afford to be that day.’ by Ise Pinke (they/them), disability, literature, and gender scholar, ‘The Body I Borrow to Leave the House’ Link in bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.”The image has a dark blue background with a subtle lightning bolt pattern and a large white rounded square in the center with the text from the piece.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

For National Minority Mental Health Month, we're highlighting the essay "Agency to Serve" by Justin Bullock. In this piece, he dives into his experiences with the health care system as a Black doctor with bipolar disorder. Visit tinyurl.com/DCCurrents to read the full piece. TW: Mention of suicide.

Text reading: "National Minority Mental Health Month. I'm bipolar. My bipolar disorder is one of my greatest strengths as a kidney doctor. When I say I'm bipolar, I do not mean that I had bipolar disorder and it is now in my past. I have not overcome bipolar disorder; I live with it. Justin Bullock, doctor, 'Agency to Serve.' Link in bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents. Graphic is light pink with a subtle darker pink lightning bolt pattern, and text in dark teal.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

It’s Disability Pride Month, and we can’t think of a better time to explore the ways that oppression is disabling — and what we can all do about it. Stick with us as we break down how disability connects to various forms of oppression, from anti-Black racism to transphobia to immigrant detention.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Read our latest Currents piece, “Poverty Should Not Be the Price of Love" by Kerrie Popa. In the piece, Kerrie uncovers how the U.S. government's support systems punish disabled people for marrying. You can read the full piece at the link in our bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Every thing we do at Disability Culture Lab starts with radical inclusion, and Disability Culture Cabaret is no exception! When you join us at the 2026 Disability Culture Cabaret on July 31, 2026, you’ll enjoy over a dozen access features! RSVP today at tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026.

Graphic reads: Disability Culture Lab Presents... Disability Culture Cabaret 2026. July 31, 2006 from 6 to 9 p.m. ET. Access info: Pay what you can, outdoor venue, Livestream, negative COVID test required for entry, food and drink available for purchase, wheelchair-accessible and gender neutral bathrooms available, masking required for indoor spaces/bathrooms, scent-free performance space, ASL and CART and audio description, wheelchair accessible, Metro-accessible and street and lot parking, 18-plus event. The black graphic features purple- and orange-gloved hands and white starbursts. The text is rainbow colored.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

This Disability Pride Month, join us for Disability Culture Cabaret 2026! On July 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sycamore + Oak, this free 18+ event will feature drag, burlesque, and more and we can’t wait to share in the wonder, community, and joy. Tickets + access info: tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026.

Graphic reads: Disability Culture Lab Presents... Disability Culture Cabaret 2026. RSVP now. July 31, 2006 from 6 to 9 p.m. ET at Sycamore and Oak, located at 1110 Oak Drive Southeast in Washington, D.C. and livestream. 18+ Event. Tinyurl.com/DCLCabaret2026

The black graphic features purple- and orange-gloved hands and white starbursts. The text is rainbow colored.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

For Currents: Ariana Aboulafia writes about the need to oppose federal policies that make it harder for disabled people to live independently + the AI-powered surveillance tech that makes us choose between maintaining our lives at home + safeguarding our privacy. Read more: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents

Graphic with text that reads: “When surveillance technologies are presented as an ideal option for staying at home, the ideals and practical benefits of independent living are threatened, even if people are technically able to remain in their communities. Ariana Aboulafia (she/her). Disability Rights + Technology expert. ‘From Inside The House:
How Surveillance Tech Further Threatens Independent Living.’ Link in bio: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents.”

Graphic is teal with a subtle darker teal overlay of lightning bolts. Photo of Ariana Aboulafia shows a woman standing in front of a blurred building. She has dark curly hair and gray glasses, and is wearing a black suit and white shirt.

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Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

In our newest Currents piece, "Disability Doesn't Exist in a Vacuum" writer Kevin Garcia dives into his experiences with childhood bullying for being queer that led to CPTSD. This piece shows us the ways in which different forms of oppression are disabling. Read more: tinyurl.com/DCCurrents

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