Uplift Access: Uplifting Accessibility In and Beyond Unitarian Universalism

UPLIFT Access: Black History Month

By Gretchen Maune

I absolutely love books. Whether I’m escaping to another planet for pleasure or sinking into nonfiction to learn a different perspective than my own, reading is one of my favorite pastimes. I read the words with my eyes when I could see, and now I read them with my ears. Sometimes, if I want to do a closer reading, I comb through a digital book with VoiceOver (iOS’s built-in screen reader), marking sections for further study. And then there’s times when I’m sinking into a fantasy or speculative fiction story that I read audiobooks, letting myself drift away into the world the author’s created.

There are a multitude of excellent works out there by Black, disabled writers, and, in honor of Black History Month, I’m highlighting some of them for you to check out. Of course, be sure to find the registration link further down to hear the UUA’s own Ayanna Kafi discuss their own upcoming book, “Imani Rituals,” with me on February 27th

Excellent Works by Black Disabled Writers

Black Disability Politics by Dr. Sami Schalk

Black Disability Open Access | Black Disability Kindle | Black Disability Audio

Learn about the Black feminist influence on Black disability politics, the collaboration of the Black Panther Party with the 504 Sit-In, and more. Schalk has recently joined New Disabled South’s Black Research Institute as a Senior Research Fellow.

Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma

Haben Kindle | Haben Audio

Girma, an international disability rights activist, writes about striving to succeed amidst others’ ableist attitudes.

The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall in Love With Me by Keah Brown

The Prety One Kindle |The Pretty One Audio

Brown’s book of essays illustrates what it’s like to be Black and disabled in a mostly white, abled country.

The Anti-Ableist Art Educators Manifesto by Jen White-Johnson

The Anti-Ableist (Free PDF—donations requested)

Jen is an Afro-Latina, disabled, neurodivergent mother, educator, artist, and activist. She calls this manifesto, “a powerful act of creative resistance.” Last year, she collaborated with Disability Culture Lab on a cool collection of wearable art.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Parable Kindle | Parable Audio

This first book in the post-apocalyptic Earthseed series declares, “God is change.”

Whatever your reading method is, I hope the suggestions above offer you new insights and different perspectives, as they have for me.

One more thing—lately, attacks against Section 504, Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services, accessibility policies, and disabled workers in general have been hitting the disability community from all sides. These threats affect our lives at home, at school, and in the workplace, and they can leave the ground feeling shaky. If you fear for yourself or others, remember that we are stronger together. May you find solidarity; may you feel held by your community; and may you know that disabled lives are sacred.

Got an Accessibility Question?

Since starting my position, I have fielded a wide array of accessibility and inclusion questions from congregations across the country.

However, the answers I provide remain in our email and 1-on-1 Zoom conversations. In order to make answers available to all, we will be trying out an “ask the accessibility expert” blog in the coming months.

Email your questions to accessibility@uua.org and stay tuned to the UPLIFT Access Newsletter and blog for monthly answers that will help congregations increase accessibility for their disabled members and guests.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

As we highlight advancements in HIV testing, prevention, and treatment, we must acknowledge the ongoing challenges within Black communities. In 2022, African American individuals accounted for 38% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S., despite representing approximately 12% of the population. Black women, in particular, accounted for 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women, with a rate 10 times higher than that of White women.

These statistics underscore the critical need for faith communities continued engagement in prevention education, advocacy, harm reduction, and, most importantly, embodying the commandment to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. The church has the power to make a significant impact. I hold onto hope because I have seen firsthand what one church can do.

Let us unite to end HIV/AIDS in Black communities, embracing our role in fostering healing, compassion, and justice.[READ MORE]

Rev. Charles Straight is CEO of Faith In Action LLC and a member of the U.S. HIV & AIDS Faith Coalition.

EqUUal Access Carolyn Cartland Sermon Award Contest

The EqUUal Access Carolyn Cartland Sermon Award Contest is accepting sermons on disability-related themes and topics.

The entry deadline is May 1, 2025.

A cash prize of $500 will be awarded and presented as the online annual celebration!

ELIGIBILITY

  • The sermon must be an original work on a disability theme or topic
  • The sermon must be preached between May 1 and April 30 of the current contest year.
  • Entries (sermon text and entry cover information) must be submitted before midnight on May 1st.
  • This sermon contest is open to all lay or religious professional Unitarian Universalists.

CONSENT: In entering the contest, the author grants permission for EqUUal Access to publicly post and publicize their sermon text, name, and photo. Authors retain copyright to their work.

Read more about sermon contest entry information.

Accessible Publications from Skinner House

Skinner House Books are now on Book Share! Check out the growing collection for readers with print disabilities!

Skinner House Audiobooks are NOW AVAILABLE through Libro.fm and other channels!