Many in the disability community are tired of under-representation. And so s.e. smith, with co-partners Alice Wong and Vilissa Thompson, set up Disabledwriters.com:

Disabled Writers is a resource to help editors connect with disabled writers and journalists, and journalists connect with disabled sources. Our goal is specifically to promote paid opportunities for multiply marginalized members of the disability community, and to encourage editors and journalists to think of disabled people for stories that stretch beyond disability issues.

This resource is specifically designed to help editors connect with disabled people working in journalism, or trying to break into the field. It also includes disabled experts who are available to serve as sources, such as attorneys, physicians, social workers, artists, and others with professional experience or education that makes them expert sources in their fields.

The disability community has a saying: Nothing about us without us.

My profile lists me as Dr. Nicola Griffith. It’s the first time I’ve labelled myself this way and, frankly, I dithered. Then I was reminded how tiresome it is to always be underestimated because you’re disabled, and thought, Fuck it!

So if you’re disabled and a writer, or disabled and an expert source in  your field (the usual professions, of course, but perhaps also others: air traffic control? weaving? cultural anthropology? bridle-making?), go get yourself a profile. If editors/producers can find you, your voice can be heard. And we need all our voices. Nothing about us without us. Now editors and producers have no excuse.