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The youth network of Atypical Dikkatein, comprising 14 young leaders from queer and disability communities in India, have put forth the following demands. We collected these following extensive collaborative consultations held on 9 and 10 September 2023. The demands reflect the collective voice, concerns, and aspirations of our community.

Introduction

In the quest for a more inclusive and equitable society, the intersection of queerness and disability has emerged as a critical focus area. As we move towards a world that celebrates diversity in all its forms, it is essential to recognise the unique challenges and experiences faced by individuals who identify as both queer and disabled. One of the primary demands of this intersection is the transformation of educational institutions to become more inclusive and accommodating for neurodivergent and disabled students.

Challenging Ableist Practices in Education

 

One of the primary demands would be for schools and educational institutions to get rid of their ableist practices. Ableism, the discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities, permeates many aspects of our society, including education. Schools often unwittingly perpetuate ableism, thereby exacerbating the challenges faced by disabled and neurodivergent students. 

 

For instance, many instructors and teachers refrain from giving notes or written instructions in the name of enforcing discipline and ensuring students pay attention. This traditional teaching method not only disadvantages students who may have difficulty focusing due to their disabilities but also fails to recognise the diverse ways in which people learn. Instead of dismissing written instructions, educators should embrace them as a valuable tool for all students, allowing them to learn at their own pace and in a way that suits their individual needs.

 

In empirical research, a small but growing body of work has considered the intersections of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation among youth and adults; however, researchers have rarely addressed the experiences of undergraduate and graduate LGBTQIA+ students with disabilities.

Modifications for Inclusive Education

 

To truly embrace inclusivity, educational institutions must undergo significant modifications. These changes should reflect the diverse needs of their student populations, particularly those who identify as both queer and disabled. Here are some crucial modifications that institutions need to consider:

 

  1. Sensory Accommodations: Sensory processing differences are common among neurodivergent individuals. To create an inclusive environment, institutions should provide accommodations such as quiet spaces, sensory-friendly classrooms, and noise-cancelling headphones for students who may experience sensory overload. These adjustments can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, allowing students to focus on their studies effectively.

 

  1. Rethinking Physical Education: Traditional physical education classes can be challenging for disabled students, leading to feelings of exclusion and alienation. Schools should reimagine physical education to be more inclusive, offering adaptive sports and activities that cater to a wide range of abilities. This not only promotes physical well-being but also fosters a sense of belonging among all students.

 

  1. Heterogeneous Learning Environment: Educational institutions should strive to create an environment that is better equipped for learning in a heterogeneous student community. This means celebrating diversity and fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding. Inclusive curriculum design should incorporate the perspectives and experiences of queer and disabled individuals, promoting empathy and awareness among all students. Differing perspectives suggest the need for targeted educational and developmental approaches toward working with students. For example, an out queer student on campus beginning to explore their experience with anxiety and depression will have different needs and concerns than a student with a physical disability present since childhood beginning to address their sexual orientation identity in greater depth.

 

  1. Inclusive Accommodation: Providing reasonable accommodations is essential without tying them to a disability certificate. Such certificates often have narrow criteria and a limited scope of access, excluding individuals with non-visible disabilities. Services and social protection should be accessible to everyone based on individual needs, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

 

  1. Inclusive Teacher Training: Teacher education and faculty training must incorporate disability inclusion and sensitivity. This ensures educators can create inclusive learning environments, reducing stigma and barriers and ultimately fostering a more accepting and equitable educational system.

Conclusion

The intersection of queerness and disability is a unique and important aspect of diversity that deserves attention and support. Queer students with disabilities view their identities as intersectional, interactive, overlapping, parallel, and/or oppositional. These five perspectives function as discourses that students might use to make sense of their experiences living at the intersections of identities and to describe their social realities. 

Demanding inclusivity in education is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable society where every individual, regardless of their identity or ability, has the opportunity to thrive. By challenging ableist practices, making necessary modifications, and fostering a truly inclusive learning environment, we can pave the way for a brighter future where we empower all students to reach their full potential. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we do not leave anyone behind on the journey towards a more inclusive and accepting world.

Soumya Mishra is a neuroqueer and autistic person and has an interest in leveraging digital mediums to amplify marginalised voices, bridge existing gaps, and promote inclusivity and accessibility. They made a career switch during the pandemic from content writing to the development sector.

As an Oxfam fellow, Soumya develops her podcast —Atypical Dikkatein—to chronicle the stories of queer-disabled folx in India.