April 15, 2025 - 11:20
I really enjoyed watching Crip Camp. Previous to this documentary, I had not known about camp Jened. I thought it was interesting that there was a clear hierarchy of disability, but at Jened this hierarchy was less prominent. It was interesting to see how principles of disability justice were in action at Camp Jened and disability rights movements prior to the creation of these principles.
One principle that was most prominent during the movement and at the camp was “leadership of those most impacted.” People with disabilities were at the forefront of the movement, speaking out for what they needed the government to do. Particularly Judy Heumann played a pivotal role in the disabilities movement. During the section 504 protests, Judy organized how they would lead the movement and helped to motivate individuals to sustain the movement despite the difficulties of the lock-in.
The movement also relied on “intersectionality,” “collective access,” and “commitment to cross-movement organizing.” For example, during the section 504 lock-in, the Black Panthers brought free food to the protests as they wanted to support any marginalized community in gaining civil rights. Similarly, the partner of the woman who owned a lesbian bar bought shampoo and helped clean people during the lock in.
The movement also was committed to “cross-disability solidarity” and “recognizing wholeness” of people with disabilities. For example, at Camp Jened, when one camper was interviewed about how they might want more independence, but the interviewer did not understand what she had said, another camper spoke up to translate what they thought the camper was trying to communicate about being denied the right to privacy. This illustrates how at camp, each person’s perspective was allowed to be voiced, but that interdependence with others was necessary. Likewise, during the section 504 protests, when the phone lines got cut off, people who knew sign language were able to communicate with people outside the building. Additionally, during the lock-in, people had the chance to learn about others disabilities and those with hidden disabilities. In this way, the protests were committed to learning about the lives and difficulties of all members at the protest.