It’s not often I see disability in Black art. Really feeling this.
Black creatives, please do more of this.
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Vilissa Thompson
@VilissaThompson
#DisabilityTooWhite Creator • Founder of ! • #Disability_Rights #Consultant • Social Worker • #Writer • patreon.com/RampYourVoice
Vilissa Thompson’s Tweets
I have waited 33 years to have a Barbie that looks like me.
Now Black disabled girls won't have to wait as long as I did for a doll to exist.
Thank you, .
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Seeing Beyoncé modify her tour to accommodate her needs makes my #disabled heart happy.
We should all do better in normalizing accommodations so that we show up as our full selves without putting undo strain on our bodyminds.
If it’s good for Beyoncé, it’s good for me/you/us.
It’s 2022 - your ableist jokes may have consequences you might not be ready for.
And… leave Black women alone. Period.
So, are we ready to have the conversation about ableism in progressive spaces or not?
Because it seems to me that it's long overdue in the way some of you all are behaving.
Oh, y’all thought you’d have a DNC without Black disability representation?!?
#DNC2020
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My #RENAISSANCEWOLRDTOUR recap - the #Philly show!
Seen a few #disabled folks - we were out here!
A 🧵 of photos from the concert - from my POV
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This is me. And I’ll never stop.
The goods with the later expiration dates (like milk) are typically near/in the back. Plus, the items up front are touched more.
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Stan! Phenom casting.
I had to write about why 's disability plan stood out from the rest - she included intersectional disabled voices that endured that the plan was just as impactful and inclusive as it needed to be.
This is what voter suppression + ableism looks like.
Pay attention to what’s happening in Georgia.
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Officials are defending closing almost all of the polling places in a majority black county in Georgia, saying the locations aren't compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The ACLU and local residents think their justification is absurd huffingtonpost.com/entry/randolph
He has the same kind of walker I used when I started to walk.
Didn’t expect this story to hit me in the feels. Love seeing our disabled kids do their thing on the stage.
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Meet the boys with cerebral palsy playing Tiny Tim on Broadway this year.
The two boys have become best friends while rehearsing for their shared role in the Broadway production.
@JDBalart shares their story tonight on @NBCNightlyNews.
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To keep it 100, some of y’all non-disabled folks need this - I’ve seen so many of y’all discuss barely being able to ride on top for long. 💅🏾
Sex accessibility is rated E for everyone who needs it - remember that.
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The moment y’all finally come to grips that the world doesn’t revolve around you, the moment y’all will stop saying ignorant shit.
To a LOT of people, especially those in the disabled community — who, by the way, ALSO enjoy sex — this isn’t just “anything.”
Chadwick let us be joyous & love on him because of Black Panther, & we had no idea of what he was dealing with privately.
My heart is so heavy in thinking about that.
Rest well, Chadwick.
I would love to discuss disability activism with Britney.
If my childhood fave wants to be all in, ensuring that her scope is where it can be is important.
Britney, I’m ready when you are. twitter.com/britneyspears/
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As a wheelchair user, using a backpack is both functional AND convenient, especially in professional settings.
What a douche to wrote this. If this is your biggest qualm, you need better qualms to bitch & write about.
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Hey, grownups, it’s time to lose the backpack | Opinion trib.al/faujcVB
My upset lies in not only the ableism of the scandal, but the ramifications for disabled students seeking accommodations for the SAT/ACT going forward.
It's already a challenge to get accommodations; now there will be more hoops to go through, esp. for those of color.
Important message here
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let’s not forget about deaf black people. police officers have threatened the lives of a lot of deaf black people for not “following orders” that they couldn’t hear or for reaching for a paper to communicate w them twitter.com/babyg0yl/statu
This is the kind of #BlackDisabledGirlJoy I need in my life right now.
Miss Livi is FLY in her prom dress, & her date chilling in the back knows his role.
dailymail.co.uk/femail/article?
This son of a…
🙌🏾🙌🏾 Selma is speaking her truth!
Been watching the S*a matter unfold & only have these points to make:
1) Internalized ableism can manifest in ways that does damage both internally & externally (in creating ableist, harmful projects).
2) Hollywood's love for cripping up stories is a travesty that has to end.
I hadn’t realized that September 17 was Harriet Tubman’s escape day. (September 17, 1849, to be exact.)
What a great fact to learn as my birthday winds down.
I got great news!
I accepted a contributing writer position (6 mos) for an outlet where I can add an intersectional lens within its gender justice focus.
So, that means you'll be seeing more of my words soon.
I am so geeked - the energy is overwhelming.
👇🏾 If your activism fails to see the disproportionate rates disabled & deaf people are impacted by police violence, your work is grossly incomplete & insufficient to the movement.
*Peeks in & see non-Black disabled folks comparing being disabled to being Black*
Y’all do realize that there are Black people who are disabled, right??
I’ve been telling y’all for YEARS to stop this comparison.
I’m just taking notes on this nonsense & will act accordingly.
Watching the way George Floyd's use of opioids is on display during the Chauvin trial & it is a reminder that they'll use anything related to disability to discredit him.
Not surprised. Just viewing the way the system never fails to dehumanize us via ableism.
#NoConfederate - because as a Southern, the last thing I need is for Whites to see their wet dreams about slavery played out on this show.
I may need to watch Peppa Pig after all.
If the preschool shows can have disability representation, what’s your excuse?
Answer: There is none.
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Squeak! Introducing the newest member of the playgroup, Mandy Mouse! 
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Watching the Queer Eye episode with Wesley & it’s very layered.
The layers explains a lot, particularly the cultural dynamics of a Black man who admits he was living the “bad boy” life before his injury.
This is definitely out of a lot of you all’s range to discuss properly.
*Sees that Britney Spears is trending*
*Goes to see pics of her living her best life & looking good*
*Smiles at her being free & happy. Because she deserves it all*
*Goes back to minding my business*
This is the reaction to have at a 40 y/o woman doing what she wants. Period.
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I’d gladly give him another injury… my god. Lol
You know… you can fund psychologists & social workers to support communities & not give the money to police depts. It can & should be done.
Signed,
A social worker.
I’m here to note that:
1) Disabled people can be and are racists. I’ve experienced them both online & offline. White disabled people are no exception to enacting racism & being perpetrators of racist acts & behaviors.
#DisabilityTooWhite holds the receipts of such truths.
I pray that Simone Biles is surrounded by people who love & support her fervently, & will protect her by any means.
Simone is the GOAT - her place in history is undeniable.
This line from #Watchmen applies to so much:
“You can’t heal under a mask.
Wounds need air.”
Let that sink in.
For disabled people who have avoided going out in public spaces (& have been for almost 2 years), how are they going to get these masks?
This has been on my mind the entire time. Why are we creating more barriers for folks to get essential tools to remain safe?
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The U.S. will distribute 400 million free N95 masks at pharmacies and health centers nationwide starting next week, the White House is expected to announce on.wsj.com/32bC1YO
The fact that some of you can’t fathom that folks don’t have the kind of support to get masks, much less anything else, is a key indicator to how many don’t understand the way the world actually works for those who are easily forgotten & considered disposable.
I really need to write about my TSA experiences as a Black disabled woman because these pat downs & hair inspections are for the birds.
*Adds to writing queue*
This is the energy every adult should have in protecting a child’s confidence with their talents.
Venus knew her daddy had her - period.
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Interviewer Tried To Downplay 14-Year-Old Venus Williams' Confidence.
Her Dad Richard Williams Shut Him Down
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I’ve waited all week for this - ’s disability rights & equality policy has been released!
I’m very proud to have consulted on this plan for the campaign.
elizabethwarren.com/plans/disabili
Learning of what happened to #CharleenaLyles is personal because she is me & the Black disabled women I know. Black disabled women matter.
Black "woke" activists - failing to acknowledge #CharleenaLyles' disability is the LEAST woke thing to do. Stop ignoring this intersection.
No matter how my day goes today, at least I didn’t fumble the bag like Gina C.
That’s my affirmation for this very long week.
Korryn’s story hits hard because I witnessed the way some of you all weaponized her disability in such an incredibly dehumanizing fashion.
Black disabled women killed by the police matter.
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A reminder that Korryn Gaines was chilling at home. The police tried to break in to "execute" a traffic ticket warrant. Instead, they executed Korryn and shot her 5-year old son. An all-woman jury awarded her family $37 million. But the racist judge overruled them.
"Accidentally cut cable"
Okay.
IMPORTANT
#JusticeForEngracia
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We’re demanding that Congress pass the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act. For Engracia and the 29 people per day who have their wheelchairs damaged or destroyed while flying. Join us. #JusiceForEngracia #DisabilityTwitter domesticemployers.org/were-demanding
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Paying homage to our Black disabled heroines is so important. If it wasn't for Fannie Lou, there wouldn't be me & so many that has come after her.
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Happy Birthday, Fannie Lou Hamer! Born on this day in 1917.
"When I liberate myself, I liberate others. If you don't speak out ain't nobody going to speak out for you" h/t @KeishaBlain: timeline.com/hamer-speech-v
Crip Camp is groundbreaking in numerous ways. That can’t be denied.
The work continues. #Oscars
Happy #birthday to me!
I can’t believe I’m 35. Wow. What a blessing.
Taking the time to enjoy my special day & be in joy. #VirgoSeason #BirthdayDiva
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Very thankful for this profile feature by . Thank you for seeing me & my work.
bet.com/news/national/
Disabled people should be able to work if they want but respected if they do not. Working should not be a litmus test as to who is worthy. Work does not equal value.
#WOCAffirmation: Shouting out myself. I don't toot my own horn enough about the work I do & its impact.
Forever grateful to disabled Ancestor Fannie Lou.
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Happy Birthday, Fannie Lou Hamer (October 6, 1917 – March 14, 1977)!
#blackwomenradicals
#blackwomenradicals
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Black, disabled, & defiant. ✊🏾♿️
I'm using "hearies" for now on. Thank you for this because I need a term for the hearing folks.
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Pay attention. This isn’t a game, folks.
The talk of institutions should not be dismissed.
Bill Maher has uttered every epithet but the actual N-word for years. Bill is the white liberal we've warned you about.
*Looking at you all debate about pregnancy, & realizes that disabled people are never considered in these conversations*
When y'all are ready to have a truly inclusive discussion about why some of us have NO desire to become pregnant, tap me on the shoulder, please.
Disabled folks:
There are ways to discuss Kamala Harris without being misogynoiristic, anti-Black, & anti-Asian, whether done blatantly or veiled.
Some of you need this reminder. Take heed.
If you want to know what disability activists like myself had to say about ’s disability plan setting a standard, read this.
Just showing off my cute face & Black Santa PJs. #MerryChristmas
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Well I’ll be damn.
How is this real?!?
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Never erase the dis.
When people see me, they need to see all of me - my disability, my Blackness, my femmehood.
Terry, I’d love to chat with you about this further if you’re willing to. Narratives like this does more harm than good for disabled people.
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This child of God is a prodigy. Autism and blindness can’t erase the smile from the face of @KodiLeeRocks. Kodi has given HOPE, POWER, and HAPPINESS to those who feel marginalized because of who they are. Erase the DIS, highlight the ABILITY! @gabunion 
twitter.com/AGT/status/113
twitter.com/AGT/status/113This whole read is perfection... tell. them. twitter.com/EvieOnAMission
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“Black lives matter. Black disabled lives matter.” -
Come through, Congresswoman, on this watch party!! 👏🏾👏🏾
#DisabilityCoalition
Y'all better not erase her disability. She's one of our disabled heroines.
Get 👏🏾 this 👏🏾 right.
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Fannie Lou Hamer biopic in the works with script from 'Remember the Titans' writer Gregory Allen Howard buff.ly/2tP7bkR
The Jane joke was in poor taste since Jada has been candid about having alopecia.
When Chris made the joke, it took me by surprise in knowing about Jada’s journey & what she shared.
I can’t fault Will for his response.
THIS
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This is a mother. Doesn’t hit the same does it? Like stop sharing pictures of white moms and the police as if somehow she’s less deserving of arrest than Mary Hooks at the Georgia Statehouse in 2018. Plenty of moms protesting. Plenty of moms getting yanked up by the police.
So, I just got approached to consider becoming an influencer for a Black queer woman who has her own sex toy line.
I love that there's space for discussion surrounding adaptive sex toys because it wouldn't be me if disability wasn't mentioned.
This is going to be fun...
If you're a Black #disabled trans / non-binary / gender non-conforming person, drop your links here for #Juneteenth. Links can be donations, Patreon, your work, etc.
Time to get everyone in the family paid & supported today, & every day.
This is how you use your platform.
Cannot help but be a fan of Megan's for this.
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Megan Thee Stallion gave a message to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron during her #SNL performance
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I want us to give the rightful space to Black men with disabilities who have experienced gun violence, and especially police violence, to discuss this.
The people closest to the issue should be heard right now.
It would be wise to listen to disabled folks in the discussion surrounding using disinfectant as a “cure” method.
We understand the dangers of the rhetoric b/c of ableist attempts in curing us of our disabilities.
Now isn’t the time to be dismissive of our experiences.
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2) There are wheelchair users who can walk. I am one of them. We do exist. We are not “faking.” It’s called being an ambulatory wheelchair user.
Check your ableism while getting crippled racists together.
Like I said at a conference when we discussed religion & disability, no amount of praying or “laying hands” on me will work. If you’re not Jesus himself, keep your hands to yourself & don’t bother me.
If God created us in His image, why can’t my/our image be disabled?
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You know what the funny thing is?
I manifested this. Before the pandemic, I uttered aloud to myself, “I hope I’d get the opportunity to attend the DNC. And one day, hopefully speak at it.”
Spirit this week when I was approached: “This is what you asked for. It’s your moment.”
✊🏾♿️
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Disabled Black activists are now protesting front of the White House. They are leading the crowd in chanting "Sign Her Name" and "Sign His Name." #BlackDisabledLivesMatter #SignTheirNames #BlackLivesMatterDC
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The hilarious thing about people being mad at reactions about them not bathing is: nobody asked you to tell your business.
You volunteered the information. You happily told on yourself.
Some of you all need to review the definition of discretion & put it into practice.
Whew
As a helping professional, any therapist who diagnosed any of these children should lose their license - ASAP. This breaks ALL ethics.
I hope they get them too - we don't need helping professionals in this field who'd do this mess.
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Prosecutors say parents were advised to have a therapist diagnose their child with a learning disability. THEN, that would allow kid to get extra time, in private setting, to take exam. That's where the cheating took place. #collegescam
Whoever wrote this tweet is ableist & they should rethink being exclusionary with such statements.
I say this as someone who does digital managing. Do better, Mashable. It’s uncalled for to be this insensitive. twitter.com/mashable/statu
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Happy birthday to this disabled Ancestor. Going to listen to her words today to pay my respect to the legacy she left behind for us to continue.
Thank you, Fannie Lou.
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Happy Birthday, Fannie Lou Hamer (October 6, 1917 – March 14, 1977)!
Hamer was a community organizer & a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. She was the co-founder & vice-chair of the Freedom Democratic Party.
: Photo Credit: Jack Thornell/AP/Shutterstock.
Hamer was a community organizer & a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. She was the co-founder & vice-chair of the Freedom Democratic Party.
: Photo Credit: Jack Thornell/AP/Shutterstock.
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.’s enthusiastic “yes!” excites me when the contestants get the answer right.
He’s a natural at this. #Jeopardy
Black disabled folks:
Let us all pay close attention to how some disabled non-Black PoC are centering themselves in this moment.
Many of them have long receipts of being anti-Black AND misogynoiristic. This isn’t their first time; some of us have peeped game ages ago.
Took a quick visit to the Hoover Dam!
Beautiful mountains & water. Vegas is rubbing off nicely on me.
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Please don’t tell a group of people that a word they use to identify as is problematic.
You have no right to make such a statement.
Stop doing this. This is why I focus on educating the Black community and professionals with my work - this behavior is too commonplace. twitter.com/deborahgabriel
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This breaks my heart. We need to protect our disabled Black children.
Rest in peace, Seven.
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A 10-year-old boy from Kentucky committed suicide after he was relentlessly bullied for wearing a colostomy bag.
nydailynews.com/news/national/
So, are we going to address that there's a Black woman driving these men around so that they can get laid?
A mammy role in a cripping up tale? Just checking all of the trope boxes, I see.
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The trailer for #ComeAsYouAreFilm has entered the building.
One van, two countries, three horny men. Oh, and no parents. It's a wild ride 
Available on premium digital release on 17 July!
Find out more: bit.ly/2N4C3Xu
Available on premium digital release on 17 July!
Find out more: bit.ly/2N4C3Xu
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*Blinks in social worker who has assisted clients in retaining food sources in neighborhoods*
Delete this. twitter.com/KekePalmer/sta
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So, I’m at the Charlotte airport & they lost my wheelchair. It’s still in Columbia.
I’m barely holding it together. I’m beyond through rn