A colorful backdrop with a silver broadcaster’s microphone at the center.
In my life as a disability advocate, I've had the honor of standing up for countless causes, initiatives, and events. It's been a journey filled with moments that have inspired me, connections that have broadened my worldview, and the rewarding sense that I'm making a real difference. But there's a troubling trend that's been casting a shadow over these experiences: the expectation that my expertise, and that of many others in my field, should be offered without any compensation.
A fairly common exchange with a potential client:
Them: We’d love to have you speak at our event.
Me: Fantastic. Here are my rates.
Them: Oh, you charge? We have no budget.
This isn't just about money. It's about respect, value, and recognition. When organizations come to us for our expertise but hesitate at the idea of paying for it, they're sending a clear message: they don't believe our knowledge, our time, and our energy are worth investing in. This devalues our work, our experiences, and our contributions to the very causes these organizations claim to champion. You can't truly advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and access without compensating the thought leaders whose opinions and expertise you value.
Remember, you're reaching out to us because we're established leaders in our field. We don't need exposure as a fringe benefit for free labor.
This issue isn't just about me or about disability advocacy. It's a widespread problem affecting countless experts and professionals who are asked to give their time and knowledge for free. But as we approach Disability Pride Month, it's time to shine a spotlight on this issue in our field.
We, as disability advocates, bring a unique perspective to the table. We offer insights that can't be found in textbooks or online articles. We share personal experiences, hard-earned wisdom, and a deep understanding of disability issues. This expertise is valuable and should be treated as such.
It's time for a change. It's time for organizations to recognize the value of disability advocacy and to invest in it. It's time for us to stand up and say, "Our expertise is worth paying for."
As we approach Disability Pride Month, let's start a conversation about this. Let's challenge the status quo and advocate for the recognition and compensation we deserve. Let's do this together.
I invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas in the comments below. Let's use our collective voices to make a difference. And if this message resonates with you, I encourage you to share it with your network. Together, we can change the narrative.