April 15, 2025 - 18:58
1. Intersectionality - This principle was particularly clear to me during the sit in. When other marginalized communities in Northern California got behind those participating in the sit in and assited them in any ways that the could. The work of the Black Panther Party to bring them food, meals, and other necesities. Local LGBTQ+ groups in the community showing up to protest outside the building and maintain their support. I also think it is impactful to agknowledge the way that the civil rights movement, impacted the disability rights movement and paved the way for other marginalized communities to fight for themselves.
2. Leadership of the most impacted - Judith's true guideance and leadership throughout the entire process of getting their rights enforced was th most obvious way this principle was displayed. She fought tooth and nail, gathering resources and pushing the people she knows to fight. She was the leader in getting their legislation passed to enforce the 504 laws and principles. On top of this her presence in the disability community was filled with leadership. Her remarks about needing to stop being grateful and just expecting equal treatment and facilities was incredibly impactful to the listener. She does not need to be grateful for her basic rights, she just deserves to have them always.
3. Sustainability - The sit in again was a major moment of sustainibility for the community. I don't remember who exactly was saying this but every time someone wanted to leave they would ask them to stay just one more day. In doing this they were able to become a real force and make real change in legislation. Further every person involved in the sit in was their to help each other and I think support is one of the key factors in sustainability.
4. Recognizing wholness - Turning now towards the camp, to me it seemed for most of the people at this camp it was thier first time being truly treated as whole people. They played and had fun and were not treated as fragile, they were able to discover themselves sexually, they had emotional and intelligent conversations, and they were treated with respect. The pure bliss I saw in those videos of the camp looked so incredible for these people and clearly that translated to the rest of their lives. The connection and growth that happened there set them up for success for years and years to come.
5. Interdependence - Through the connection they found at camp, someone (I am sorry, I don't remember their name) was able to connect with another camp friend (I believe) and live independently in Oakland, accross the country from where she grew up. This way of rely on each other and creation of a community highlights how members of the disabled community are there to support each others needs and build each other up.
6. Collective Liberation - This princple also reminds me of telling people to fight just one more day during the sit in. They were fighting for the collective rights of all disabled people and that battle was rough and they were so determined to fight for justice for all people.
7. Collective access - This principle again brings me back to Judith's comment about stopping being grateful for the things that she deserves. When the disabled community can stop being grateful for access and starts to just expect and demand access that was when the true change occurred and I believe that same principle continues into present day.