A conversation with Lydia X.Z. Brown

Speakers

Lydia X.Z. Brown
Lydia X.Z. Brown
Center for Democracy & Technology Policy Counsel Privacy and Data Project
Jonathan Martinis
Jonathan Martinis
Senior Director for Law and Policy

Description:

Lydia X. Z. Brown is the Policy Council at the Center for Democracy and Technology’s Privacy Data Project, the Director of the Autistic People of Color Fund, and an educator at Georgetown University. Lydia and Jonathan Martinis discuss their perspectives on next steps in disability advocacy. They examine why many of the issues that disabled people face are related to the role that ableism plays in our society. Often referring to the idea that we cannot legislate mortality, they describe violence against disabled people as more than a merely physical act. It is also a persistent belief that disabled people are burdensome, don’t live enjoyable lives and would be better off without a disability. They also discuss the inaccessibility of digital technology and how algorithms are biased against people with marginalized identities.

In the end, Brown says, there is no “biggest problem” that disabled people face in 2023 because ableism is deeply embedded in society. The many problems that disabled people face, she says, are rooted in the idea that disabled people are not as valuable as nondisabled people.

Summary

  • They examine why many of the issues that disabled people face are related to the role that ableism plays in our society.
  • Often referring to the idea that we cannot legislate mortality, they describe violence against disabled people as more than a merely physical act. It is also a persistent belief that disabled people are burdensome, don’t live enjoyable lives and would be better off without a disability.
  • They also discuss the inaccessibility of digital technology and how algorithms are biased against people with marginalized identities.
  • In the end, Brown says, there is no “biggest problem” that disabled people face in 2023 because ableism is deeply embedded in society. The many problems that disabled people face, she says, are rooted in the idea that disabled people are not as valuable as nondisabled people.