#InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities In her article for ReFrame IV: ‘Making the Invisible Visible’ — Gouri Bhuyan traces the failure of mental health to address the unique life stressors of PWD. Psy-disciplines’ insistence on measuring ‘norms’ of development in fixed stages, the serious lack of disability representation in mainstream spaces, and the invisibilisation of the lived experience of PWD — contribute to building ableist structures in mental health. The field of mental health needs to acknowledge these systemic gaps and reframe perspectives on disability by foregrounding lived experience of PWD. Tap this link to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gA22UT-F #DisabilityRight #DisabilityJustice #DisabilityInclusion Alt-Text in Comments*
Slide 3: On a plain white background, the upper right side of the slide has an MHI Logo. The heading text reads: ‘Disability is underrepresented in mainstream spaces’ and the subtext reads: ‘As a result, the mainstream has little knowledge on disabled experiences, and exhibits stereotypical responses toward PWD, like pity, fear, or finding disability ‘inspirational'. Such stereotypes also colour the way in which able-bodied persons (including therapists), perceive disabled persons.’ Alongside the subtext is a green-red vector of a person using sign language to communicate.
Slide 1: On a plain white background, the upper right side of the slide has an MHI Logo, while the upper left side reads: International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The heading text reads: ‘Persons with Disabilities constitute the largest minority in the world;’ and the subtext reads: ‘and yet, there is a distinct lack of disability justice in mental healthcare. Swipe to know more >>’ Alongside the subtext is a green-red vector of a person in a wheelchair.
Slide 2: On a plain white background, the upper right side of the slide has an MHI Logo. The heading text reads: ‘Psy-Disciplines have historically perpetuated ableism’ and the subtext reads: ‘Developmental psychology measures growth through fixed milestones that are hegemonically sculpted by cis-het, upper-caste, upper-class, neurotypical & able-bodied experiences. Disabled persons, thus, have to constantly grapple with functioning in a world that is structured to exclude them.’ Alongside the subtext is a green-red vector of a person using a walking stick.
Slide 5: On a plain white background, the upper right side of the slide has an MHI Logo. The text on the right reads: Read the full article from ReFrame IV:‘Making the Invisible Visible’ by Gouri Bhuyan Link in story; Available at mhi.org.in. Alongside is a graphic from Gouri’s article: Multiple people blindfolded and one person in the midst — without a blindfold. The background is grey, the people are blindfolded in red.
Slide 4: On a plain white background, the upper right side of the slide has an MHI Logo. The heading text reads: ‘How can mental health center disabled experiences’ and the subtext is 4 pointers that read: - MHPs must acknowledge internalized ableism and rethink their gaze by linking mental health of PWD to their psychosocial contexts. Alongside this point is the vector of a person with a thought bubble. - The field of mental healthcare needs to employ more PWD as mental healthcare workers to foster inclusive & intersectional spaces. Alongside this point is the vector of a diverse group of people. - Better representation of disability in psychological research can help shape better psychological interventions/tools. Alongside this point is the vector of a person with visual impairment. - Mental healthcare settings must follow recommendations for accessibility provided in extensive literature on universal design. Alongside this point is the vector of a person in a wheelchair using a wheelchair ramp.