Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Fashik.
Hi Mary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’m a Lebanese-born queer disability rights activist, author, public speaker, and workshop facilitator. In 2019, I founded Upgrade Accessibility, a movement designed to challenge today’s accessibility standards. Since its inception, the movement has grown to include disability rights, intersectionality, disability justice, equity, and unequivocally supports Black Lives Matter/ Black Disabled Lives Matter. Through various workshops and training, I work with companies to help them understand how deeply rooted ableism is in their organizational structure and how to implement important changes. I have had various articles published addressing issues such as ableism, the need for more disabled teachers, the stagnant state of the disability rights movement, and accessibility before and during the pandemic. In 2020, I created Camp Access, a virtual camp experience for the disabled and chronically ill community. I was a founding member of a vaccine initiative online to help support the disabled and chronically ill to get vaccinated. The initiative helped many get vaccines during a time when it was challenging for those eligible to get it and fought for those whose states overlooked eligibility. I and two others accomplished this via social media campaigns, lobbying, and advocacy. I strive daily to shed light on issues affecting those in the disabled/chronically ill community, particularly those affecting multi-marginalized community members. I was also named an honoree on Diversability’s 2021 D-30 Disability Impact List.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
The advocacy road is never smooth. I’ve faced a lot of criticism for being vocal about issues that other advocates tend to avoid. I’m unapologetically disabled, making both non-disabled and disabled people uncomfortable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an Accessibility and Disability Justice consultant. I help non-profits and other businesses/organizations become more accessible and produce accessibility content. I’m proud to help my publisher change the internal and public-facing language they use regarding disability. What sets me apart from others is I teach from an intersectional Disability Justice lens.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Be true to yourself. Be authentic. Don’t let others’ opinion of you deter you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.upgradeaccessibility.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradeaccessibility/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradeaccessibility
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/upgradeaccessi1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA7iCL5GAmQr8LWEcwWXK5Q
- Other: https://thepoliticsofdisability.buzzsprout.com
