Racism and ableism are often viewed as parallel systems of oppression that work separately and simultaneously to perpetuate social hierarchy. This topic is significant to disability history because there are countless instances across history of black and brown bodies being pathologized to continue white supremacy throughout history. The “minority model” framework of disability rights has been racialized in ways that focus on middle-class, white, disabled Americans’ experiences. My goal in this project is to focus on how disability, race, and the subsequent poverty some POC experiences impacted these individuals throughout history. My topic will explore how systematic racism has contributed to ableist ideologies and practices through disability history.
