Survival of the Fittest?

Disabled People Don't Deserve Death

‘It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.’ -Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin is often used to back eugenics. Disguised as ‘natural selection’ and ‘survival of the fittest’ some people believe that vulnerable people dying is absolutely fine. That has been made more than clear during the pandemic. But evolution does not mean eradicating disability, disability will always exist. This is what Darwin actually said: 'It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.' And who is the most adaptable to change? Disabled people. We have to adapt every single day. 

It is on society to develop technology and accessible design so that disabilities aren’t as limiting as they are today. Just as glasses mean that lots of visually impaired people can see to the extent they are not even considered disabled. Just as wheelchairs mean that many disabled people could be independent. Imagine if we developed painkillers to help those in chronic pain. If we protected each other from viruses to prevent chronic fatigue. If we funded mental health services to assist those with anxiety, OCD, and depression. If we promoted education about autism rather than trying to ‘cure’ it.

Imagine a world where disability isn’t a tragedy, but a springboard for innovation! 

Humans should not be defined by their ability. We are inherently worthy of love, and we should never need to prove it. Oh, and by the way, Darwin was disabled.