The language of joy is a key element of Disability Pride that needs to be explored further
Disability Pride Month has served as a reminder that there is a new vocabulary emerging that continues to transform the disability experience in a multitude of ways. Over the past thirty years, the disability community has been continuing to evolve from political action and legislation to something much broader, a cultural force that is gaining impact across numerous verticals from technology, the arts, fashion, business, and beyond. In the digital age, where both individuals and groups can now express themselves across social media, the disability community has a platform that has helped them collectively begin to assert themselves by reclaiming a sense of identity, and highlighting their value, power, and letting society see them for simply who they are, people.
In this time of convergence, corporations have begun to take notice of the business case and mainstream art institutions such as the Oscars and Broadway are recognizing the contributions of artists with disabilities. Yet, it is important to recognize a feeling that has often seemed antithetical to the disability experience, the feeling of joy. Nonetheless, joy is something that is very much a part of disability culture and is being highlighted through the arts from writing, dance, and film. As the disability community begins to reclaim its sense of identity and progress within the framework of a larger society by amplifying the importance of joy in becoming a central theme that is ever more prevalent.
As we look towards a loftier understanding of Disability Pride within wider society, we must regard joy as a critical building block in shaping the culture of tomorrow. Since Disability Pride is continually being refined, the presentation of the lived experience expressed through everything from dance, film, and music, to gaming offers another step in building bridges and a recognition of the similarities we all share.
In a time where corporate culture is questioning itself and rethinking everything, the recognition of Disability Pride and the meaning of joy will become even more valuable to the strategic thinking of the 21st Century. Seeing Disability Pride through the lens of joy expands our understanding of the possibility and gives us something that the disability community has known all along, the capacity to let one’s imagination soar and define new realities out of necessity.
The language of joy within the context of Disability Pride is about helping to write culture and provide a new aperture to not only see the next progression of society but to celebrate the idea that human variability is simply a shared reality that must be cultivated and rejoiced.
Mindset Matters has only begun to explore different facets of Disability Pride and how that can shape the landscape of organizational culture. This column serves as a point of departure to explore how these shared truths can manifest throughout organizational culture and ultimately enhance the quality of life for all. The power of joy is one such ingredient that organizational culture needs to foster, and it is the disability community that will be a forceful and important voice to shape a new generation of valued leaders.
