Representation Matters

A quarter of America’s population has a disability, but often artists with disabilities are not highlighted in mainstream media. Take some time with your class to learn about some famous trailblazers in history and culture that also have disabilities.

Start by leading a conversation about disability history and justice in your classroom. Some topics to start with are the Americans with Disabilities Act and the idea of the social model of disability, which can be explored in depth utilizing the Disability Rights and Education History resource at TeachwithGIVE.org.

After your class has a basic understanding of disability justice in America, ask each student to pick an area of interest to them—this could be theater, sports, activism, visual arts or music.

Then, have them research a pioneer in that field with a disability, including where they come from, their career achievements and fun facts. You can also use the Inclusive Curriculum & Showcasing Artists with Disabilities resource at TeachwithGIVE.org to get your students started.

Once everyone’s research is finished, have everyone present their chosen person to the class. Use this knowledge as a way to follow and uplift the work of artists with disabilities throughout the rest of the year.

To support this unit, use the YOUnique Handout.