March 25, 2018 - 11:03
Though this video is from a few weeks ago, I had a dream about it last night! The Loud Hands Project is part of an advocacy effort for Autistic folks; this YouTube video democratized the process of disability and community. This relates to our conversation in class about how the internet and technological boom within the past two decades has done wonders for people with disabilities. Today, more than ever, it is possible to connect with others around the world and build a sense of community (whether that means connecting through otherness, similarities, etc.) In this Youtube video, people with disabilities submitted videos of themselves holding up signs saying messages like "I know my brain better than anyone else," "I can talk without my voice," and "my brain is beautiful." Those these people have never met, this video allows people from different geographical regions (though it doesn't specify where) to connect, and in turn, democratizes disability community by uniting people based on their common messages. It is really wonderful! Yesterday was the March for our Lives (in various locations), and my sister attended the march in D.C. and sent lots of pictures. I think seeing those signs of protest, various people from different geographical locations united based on their common message - for more strict gun laws & to end gun violence in schools - reminded me a lot of the Loud Hands Project and permeated in my dream. Drawing on this comparison, one thing that I love about the Loud Hands Project is that YouTube (and more broadly, the internet) allows for a more accessible platform for advocacy and protest. Both the Austistic Self-Advocacy Network (via the Loud Hands Project) and Everytown (via March for our Lives) are ways in which advocacy has been democratized; though each platform has a varying level of accessibility, they are both organizing for representation and to have their voices heard - which is an amazing thing.