Rethinking Disability, Resilience, and Independence with Spencer West

Overview

This episode features Spencer West, a disability advocate, author, and speaker, who shares his journey of resilience, interdependence, and redefining societal perceptions of disability. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to breaking free from societal expectations, Spencer discusses how he turned his disability into a competitive advantage and a platform for advocacy. He also delves into the themes of identity, joy, and purpose, as explored in his book Breaking Free.

Notable Quotes

- Wanting access to a bathroom is not special needs; it's basic human rights. So let's just call it what it is. – Spencer West, on the importance of using the term disability instead of euphemisms like special needs.

- If I'm not resilient, then I don't get to exist in this world. People are constantly creating barriers that keep someone like me from fully participating in society. – Spencer West, on the necessity of resilience as a disabled person.

- The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling. – Spencer West, on the need for systemic improvements in disability rights and accessibility.

🦽 Rethinking Disability and Language

- Spencer emphasizes the importance of using the term disabled or disability rather than euphemisms like special needs or differently abled, which can be patronizing or misleading.

- He highlights that disability is a universal experience, stating, It's not a question of *if* you get a disability, it's a question of *when*.

- Spencer critiques societal attitudes and barriers that prevent full participation for disabled individuals, advocating for a shift in perspective to recognize disability as an identity rather than a limitation.

🏔️ Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: A Lesson in Interdependence

- Spencer recounts his journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which he accomplished with the help of friends and porters. He describes the experience as a testament to interdependence rather than independence.

- He reflects on how his initial narrative of the climb unintentionally perpetuated the supercrip stereotype, which he now seeks to challenge by emphasizing the collective effort involved.

- The climb also served as a fundraising effort, raising $500,000 for clean water initiatives in East Africa.

💪 Resilience and Competitive Advantage

- Spencer explains that his resilience stems from necessity, a love for life, and frustration with societal barriers. He describes resilience as both exhausting and beautiful.

- He reframes his disability as a competitive advantage, allowing him to access unique opportunities, such as touring with Demi Lovato and raising awareness for social causes.

- Spencer discusses how his disability has shaped his identity and given him a unique perspective that he uses to advocate for change.

📚 Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

- Spencer shares insights from his book Breaking Free, which explores how people can escape the traps of societal expectations and live authentically.

- He recounts his own journey of feeling trapped in a corporate job that lacked purpose, and how rediscovering his love for theater and stepping out of his comfort zone led him to a life of advocacy and fulfillment.

- Spencer encourages listeners to disrupt their routines, pursue joy, and explore new experiences to find their passions.

🌍 Disability Advocacy and Systemic Change

- Spencer calls for systemic improvements to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emphasizing that it should be seen as a baseline rather than the ultimate goal.

- He highlights issues like the lack of support for disabled individuals requiring 24-hour care and the financial penalties faced by disabled couples who marry.

- Spencer also stresses the importance of small, everyday actions, such as leaving accessible facilities available for those who need them, to create a more inclusive society.