Rural Disability Justice: The role of mutual aid, power building and connecting across community

For this conversation, we will focus on remarkable community-based initiatives in the San Joaquin Valley of California, however the strategies and learnings shared by these grassroots community leaders extend far beyond geographic boundaries. They touch upon the intersections of Disability Justice, health, farmworker justice, and climate/environment, offering valuable insights applicable to diverse contexts.

Disability is a multifaceted experience that extends far beyond a mere medical condition or disease. It encompasses the complex interplay between individuals and the social systems they navigate. Recognizing this, it becomes imperative for funders to shift their focus towards supporting comprehensive systems change.

At its core, disability is about the ability to survive and thrive within a social framework that often perpetuates barriers and exclusion. It is not solely about medical interventions or individual impairments but also about dismantling societal structures that hinder full participation and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

In rural settings, where healthcare infrastructure is often scarce and specialized services are limited, the medical model of disability can be particularly inadequate in addressing the holistic needs of disabled community members. Medical interventions alone fail to address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that shape the experiences of individuals with disabilities in rural communities. Medical models themselves may also perpetuate harm by reducing people with disabilities to problems that need fixing.

By shifting the focus to a more comprehensive understanding of Disability Justice, funders can help bridge the gaps in support and services in rural areas. This involves supporting initiatives that recognize the unique strengths and strategies operating within rural disabled communities, while also addressing the systemic barriers they face. In rural settings, people with disabilities often rely heavily on their community networks and mutual aid to navigate their daily lives. Supporting Disability Justice in rural areas means recognizing and strengthening these existing networks of support. It involves empowering local organizations, community leaders, and people with disabilities themselves to shape the initiatives and programs that directly impact their lives.

Funders can play a vital role in enabling rural communities to develop their own solutions and strategies for addressing Disability Justice. This may include providing financial resources for grassroots organizing, capacity building, and leadership development initiatives. By investing in these efforts, funders can help build sustainable infrastructure and strengthen the collective power of people with disabilities and their communities.

By prioritizing Disability Justice in rural settings, funders can help break down the isolation and invisibility experienced by disabled individuals. They can foster collaborations between Disability Justice organizations, health providers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to create integrated and inclusive systems of support.