Highline College recently hosted a series of insightful events focused on disability justice and inclusion during its fourth annual Disability Justice Week.
Held Nov. 6-9, under the forward-thinking theme “The Future is Accessible,” the week aimed to thoroughly highlight different aspects of the 10 Principles of Disability Justice and shed light on the many systemic barriers still faced by disabled communities today.
A particular highlight was the immersive film screening and discussion held on Tuesday, Nov. 7 in Building 7 from noon – 1:30 p.m. The impactful event featured two eye-opening films – “Loving with Three Hearts” by Sins Invalid and “The Right to Be Rescued.”
“Loving with Three Hearts” provided a raw, behind-the-scenes look at disabled artists intimately creating a performance about how climate change disproportionately impacts their lives on a daily basis.
“I strongly hope attendees gained greater understanding and awareness of the deep intersections between race, disability, socioeconomics and climate justice from these thoughtful films,” said Jenni Sandler, Associate Dean of Highline’s Accessibility Resources. “The films were incredibly impactful in showing how disabled people’s lived experiences are far too often ignored, hidden and completely erased in society.”
Sandler expressed her ardent desire for people to become more proactive in asking about accessibility needs and accommodations. “Even starting to think about sincerely asking that simple but powerful question – ‘What are your access needs?’ – is an excellent step forward in the right direction,” she passionately remarked.
To spur real, lasting change on campus, Sandler strongly advocated for elevating disabled students’ voices, experiences and perspectives. “I’d love to see students with disabilities form a Disabled Student Union or cultural center to collectively and meaningfully express their authentic needs and lived experiences,” she emphasized. “We as educators don’t do nearly a good enough job of actively listening – we urgently need to improve at that.”
Throughout the entire week, Disability Justice Week offered numerous impactful opportunities for all attendees to deeply learn, discuss and find proactive ways to make society more just, equitable and accessible for all. All events were completely free and open to the entire public.
Highline’s Access Services department can be reached at access@highline.edu or (206) 592-3857 to request any needed accommodations or services.
