This episode of Meet the Need’s podcast The Waiting Room covers the importance of the phrase “nothing about us without us” through stories of lived experiences from host Kenneth Kelty and guests Cheryl Powell and Dr. Charlrean Mapson.

Starting with its new catchphrase, “sharing true stories while we wait,” Kenneth first talks about the registry of unmet needs, noting that there are over 15,000 individuals in North Carolina waiting to receive intellectual and developmental disability support services.

Mara Waldruff, the show’s new producer, introduces herself and talks about her role in providing more in-depth information about some of the important topics that Kenneth covers in the podcast.

After Dr. Charlrean Mapson and Cheryl Powell introduce themselves, Kenneth elaborates on his role as a self-advocate and introduces the episode’s topic, “nothing about us without us.” Kenneth mentions that he first heard the phrase from his hero, Liz Weintraub. Mara chimes in to give a brief overview of Liz Weintraub’s difficult history as a person with disabilities having to fight for the right to make her own life decisions, but emphasizes that she overcame personal and societal obstacles to become an icon for the disability movement.

Mara also provides a history of the phrase “nothing about us without us,” which dates back to the 16th century and was adopted by South African disability rights activists in the 1980s. James Charlton, an American disability rights activist, later popularized the phrase when he used it for the title of his book which spoke about the global oppression of people with disabilities.

Kenneth, Cheryl and Charlrean have a rich discussion on the importance of having a seat at the table in spaces where decisions are made about their lives and the lives of their friends and families. The trio also covers themes of paid employment and professionalism, tokenism, infantilization, and the power of voting for people with disabilities.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Charlrean Mapson
• Learn more about Cheryl Powell
• AUCD and Tuesdays with Liz: Disability Policy for All

Sources:

• User Clip: Liz Weintraub Testimony
• President Biden Announces Key Appointments to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities
• National Disability Mentoring Coalition: Class of 2018, Liz Weintraub
• Nothing About Us Without Us: Disability Oppression and Empowerment by James Charlton
• Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics Summary