by Tova Sherman
In February of this year a one-of-a-kind museum chronicling disability history is reopening after a five-year hiatus in a new, bigger space that’s hundreds of miles away from its previous home.
The Museum of Disability History will open its doors this month in Albertson, N.Y., just outside of New York City, with exhibits showcasing the history of the disability rights movement in America from its inception through today.
Until 2020, the Museum of Disability History was housed at People Inc. in Buffalo, N.Y., but it shuttered after the COVID-19 pandemic left the institution unable to welcome visitors. The Viscardi Center, a nonprofit disability service provider, ultimately took over the collection and is now reopening the museum in a brand-new 4,500-square-foot gallery space in its Kornreich Institute for Disability Studies.
But the question we need to address is why. Why is there a need for a disability museum, and what can visitors hope to gain?
Frankly, a disability museum is essential to document, preserve, and interpret the historic experiences of people with disabilities, challenging systemic ableism and societal prejudice. It serves as a vital space for education, empowerment, and the cultivation of a distinct, proud disability culture and identity.
Here are the key reasons for establishing a disability museum:
Challenging Ableism: These museums actively confront stereotypes and historical injustices, transforming public perception of disabled people.
Preserving Hidden History: They safeguard artifacts, oral histories, and documents that are often ignored in mainstream history,, filling in critical gaps in cultural narratives.
Creating Community and Identity: A dedicated space provides a sense of belonging and celebrates the diverse culture of disability, helping to foster a positive identity.
Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility: A disability museum sets a standard for, and models, fully accessible experiences, going beyond physical ramps to include sensory, cognitive, and, communication access.
Educating the Public: They provide accurate, nuanced information to educate visitors about the realities of disability, fostering empathy and, understanding.
Ultimately, these institutions aim to ensure that cultural heritage is a shared, inclusive experience, rather than a privilege, while fostering a more inclusive society and way of thinking around inclusion.
Currently Canada does not have a museum dedicated to chronicling disability history in this country. I want to hear from you, do you think this is something we need in Canada? What moments in Canadian disability history would you like to see memorialized? Write to us with your thoughts on our own disability history at info@reachability.org.
