A few Things I Learned From My Time With Indiana Disability Justice By Jennifer Milharcic

In January of 2020, a friend from IDJ asked if I would edit a transcript of a webinar. Now, I do not know what we were thinking. I have Cerebral Palsy, and I type and manipulate the computer really slowly. It took me forever, and somehow, I ended up with a job! I had never worked for a social justice organization before and did not know what social justice was. Another term I was unaware of was ableism

I had thought of justice in legal terms, something handed down by a judge or an authority figure. Social justice is about change at a community level, a grassroots effort. It promotes equity and inclusion, provides mutual aid and advocates for participation in decision-making.

IDJ and our parent organization Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence practice disability and economic justice. Disability justice is uplifting, respecting and valuing the disability community and what we have to offer. All the members of IDJ had disabilities, and I was always seen as a valued member of the team. I worried about the speed at which I worked, but in practicing economic justice, I was given the same pay rate for my time.

I had not heard of ableism, but I had experienced it my whole life. I learned that ableism is a form of discrimination based on the thought that disability is something to be fixed. One example happened to me a lot as a child, random people would come up to me and start to pray for me. I am not defective. I am not superhuman for living life with a disability. It is not amazing that I am independent. I learned I can call ableism out. I do not have to sit there and take it.

I learned many other things throughout my time at IDJ, and I will miss my time here.

About the Author

Image Description: Jennifer is smiling broadly with her hair pulled back and wearing a purple shirt.

Author Bio

I have been working with ICADV/IDJ since 2020. I have several disabilities, Cerebral Palsy and recurring depression. Working with and helping others are my favorite activities. I believe in promoting equality, equity and justice among all marginalized people. Faith is very important in guiding me through enjoying what life has to offer.