Stage 5
12:15 - 12:45
English
Talk
Everyone
Fe:male Digital Footprint
…And the Disability Revolution Will be Tweeted: How Twitter Has Impacted Disability Advocacy Worldwide

Short thesis

1 billion people, 15 percent of the world’s population, are people living with some form of disability. Disability is a natural part of the human condition, and barriers to access are a unifying factor for people, regardless of where you live in the world. Activists and advocates for the world’s disability related issues have found a unique and powerful home on the social media platform of Twitter, and using it to connect, educate, and share opportunities to create and enact social change.

Description

This session will discuss how disability activists and advocates are using Twitter, and using this platform worldwide to connect and work on disability related causes. Physical and social barriers to access impact the human rights of people with disabilities to participate in society. As a disability and sexuality educator, and disability self and systems advocate, I will also share some of the ways Twitter has allowed me to learn about disabled sexuality and reproductive agency and access around the globe.  This talk will be in the form of an educational (and entertaining) 45 minute presentation, with 15 minutes for questions and answers, where I will use PowerPoint to visually illustrate my points and observations. The audience will come away with an understanding of how people with disabilities are using Twitter to connect with the world, and work towards creating positive change in building more accessible and inclusive communities. The revolution will be Tweeted and Verified!