While repDISND is a collaborative discussion event for the disabled and neurodivergent community, and at the heart of this event is awareness. It is imperative that only our voices are heard talking about disability and/or neurodivergent representation. It gets confusing when non-disabled or neurotypical people enter the conversation, as their opinions can muddy the water, offering alternate perspectives that do not correlate with our community. For that reason, I am asking you not to take part in any direct discussions regarding disability representation during repDISND events.
I know many of you want to support the disabled and neurodivergent community because you have friends or family who are disabled and/or neurodivergent and know how important representation is, or you’re just a decent person who wants to help. That is commendable and appreciated.
The best way you can help is to amplify disabled and neurodivergent voices in July. Not just people taking part in repDISND, but those participating in Disability Pride month too.
Choose July to talk about books by disabled/neurodivergent authors. Highlight disabled/neurodivergent bloggers or social media influencers and the conversations they are having. Share articles by disabled/neurodivergent people.
As July is also Disability Pride month, there will be a lot of non-disabled people sharing lists which include examples of harmful representation. Please don’t speak for us, but do share links to content by disabled and neurodivergent people where we talk about why that representation is harmful or inaccurate. RepDISND aims to dismantle ignorance through discussion – but the discussion must be ours.
And of course, share any repDISND content (including content from previous years)! Follow the #repdisnd hashtag on social media to find it.
July is the time to take a back seat and put disabled and neurodivergent people talking about our representation to the forefront.
I hope I can count on you to do that.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
repDISND activities to join in
There will be some activities open to everyone, including non-disabled and neurotypical people, such as challenges and tags. These are listed below: