An apology to women with intellectual disabilities.

It all began when one courageous woman began speaking about the abuse she had endured. Then, one after another, women began to find their voices. They spoke up about famous people who had violated them in horrific ways. There were many versions – and still are – of rich and powerful men violating boundaries without regard for these women or their rights. Woman also shared stories of less obvious abuses of power and unwanted touching. They even had stories about the backlash from any efforts they made to stop the abuse. 

This courageous effort is now widely known as the “Me Too” movement. 

But what about women with intellectual disabilities? Have they been forgotten? The abuse of women with intellectual disabilities has been overlooked and ignored for too long and it’s time they got an apology...

Women with intellectual disabilities have been raised not to speak up; taught that that others know better than they do and that, because they have a disability, they do not know what is best for them. Many people who are told “no” to basic human rights – many women in particular – end up accepting that “no” and living lives of unfulfilled dreams. This is an injustice that must cease to exist.

Women with disabilities need to be listened to, respected, and heard. People don’t all use the same language, but every voice deserves to be heard. And every woman needs to know that her voice counts. 

We can, as support staff – with a moment, a gesture, a decision – be the ones who listen. And you should be that person. 

Karyn Harvey

This excerpt was taken from the module ‘Diversity.’ Learn more about that and all of our learning modules here.