From the dance floor to the Capitol, Michael Watson advocates for disability justice

Inspired by his late mother, Michael Watson is breaking down barriers and living life to the fullest.

Long before he knew what disability justice was, Michael Watson’s mother made sure her son was included and respected.

“My mom always said, ‘I'm going to take you wherever I go, and I'm not going to hide you in the shadows,’”remembered Michael. “She always told me to speak up for myself. That's what she instilled in me.”

Michael has cerebral palsy, a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, posture, and balance. When his mother passed away in 2005, Michael did as he was told to do – live your life and don’t be afraid.

“That's what I started doing. I started going out, meeting new people, modeling, working out, exercising, just being in the community being seen.”

What is disability justice?

Disability justice is rooted in the idea that all people deserve equal access to opportunities, resources, and freedom from discrimination. Everyone, regardless of ability, should have the right to live a full, meaningful life with access to education, healthcare, employment, and community participation.

“People understand racism and they understand sexism, but they don’t really grasp ableism because ableism doesn’t really look like hate all the time,” explained Michael. “It just looks like you are underestimated or people don’t consider you for things so you kind of get left out.”

Disability justice calls for us to reimagine systems and policies to ensure that they don't just accommodate, but actively include and uplift people with disabilities. 

“People with disabilities like to have fun too,” said Michael. “People are so shocked when they see me at a restaurant or bar, or find out I’m a model or I’ve had girlfriends. Like everything is a shock, but I’m here to break down barriers and tell people not to judge a book by its cover.”

Lobbying for better protections

A bipartisan group of legislators and disability justice advocates recently unveiled the Minnesotans with Disabilities Act. The bill would enshrine federal protections of reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities into Minnesota law. It mirrors the rehabilitation bill of 1973 that stops companies who receive federal money from discriminating based on disability.

“When I was in school myself, because I have cerebral palsy, I needed more time for test taking and a notetaker. That's an accommodation,” said Michael. “So the school wasn't allowed to tell me, “You can't be in this class because you need a notetaker,” or somebody with a vision impairment might need their assignments in braille. Same for the workplace. If it's a reasonable accommodation, they have to be made, and they can't just discriminate because of someone’s disability.” 

While the Minnesotans with Disabilities Act awaits introduction in the House and Senate, Michael will be out in community, challenging perceptions and highlighting the harms of ableism, and just having fun!

"I’m active in the community, I do poetry and I go out in public a lot! You might see me at local bars hanging out with the aunties and uncles and having a few drinks," said Michael. "I'll get on my crutches and hit the dance floor. I'll always have a good time!"