Be an Ally
Ally
noun
al.ly ˈa-ˌlī ə-ˈlī
Who is an Ally?
An ally is a supporter, an associate, a colleague, a partner, or a friend.
Allies are usually members of another community that has a higher degree of rights and freedoms, who use their position of comparative privilege to amplify voices and influence change.
But, why do we need allies?
In this day and age when means of mass communication are at everyone’s fingertips, why do we need people from communities with comparative privilege to back a set of people and their cause, to speak for them?
The answer to this lies in understanding agency. Agency is a person’s capacity to act independently, to make their needs heard, seek action on an individual level and a societal scale.
Agency is also one of the things PwIDDs have not had historically, but have started to gain in the past few decades thanks to the passage of key international treaties and laws — UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2008) and the RPwD Act-2016. These laws could only be brought about because allies amplified PwIDD voices, thus emphasising the need for allies.
When we look back at the experiences of marginalised communities in the fight for inclusion we can see the impact their allies made in the fight for their rights. They were all instrumental in amplifying their voices at a societal and political level.
How do I become an equal rights ally for the neurodivergent community?
Start by identifying the level of engagement one can have right here, right now, and grow from there.
But, why do we need allies?
In today’s digital age, information flows freely. So why do we still need allies from privileged communities to back marginalised groups and speak for them? The answer lies in a fundamental concept: agency.
Agency, the ability to act independently and advocate for one’s needs, is crucial for any individual. However, for the neurodivergent community, this agency has often been historically limited. While key international treaties and laws like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2008) and the RPwD Act-2016 have paved the way for greater autonomy, allies play a vital role in amplifying their voices and ensuring their needs are heard.
Just as history shows, progress toward equality relies on allies amplifying marginalised voices. Now, it’s our turn to champion neurodiversity, empowering the community to thrive.
How do I become an equal rights ally for the neurodivergent community?
Allyship starts right here, right now. Here’s how you can join the journey:
Level 1
Start as an indirect ally - increase your awareness, and commit to intentionally include - in your school, neighbourhood, drawing room, office, public spaces, on social media.
Level 2
Support businesses run by the neurodivergent community, or brands and organisations that are inclusive.
Level 3
Learn about the issue, spread awareness, open channels of communication with political influencers, volunteer your time and skills.
Level 4
Advocate for the community, and do it in consonance. Talk to sector players, identify gaps and address them to bolster the movement for rights of the community.
To learn more about allyship and what you stand to gain personally, click here