There is no ‘hierarchy’ of disability

Recently, an image depicting a “disability hierarchy” has gone viral on social media, sparking controversy within the disability community. The pyramid has three levels that seem to indicate the severity of one’s disability: Wheelchair users are at the top, people with limb differences and other visible disabilities are in the middle, and people with invisible disabilities are at the bottom.

Personally, I think the graphic is ableist and excludes people’s lived experiences. As someone with Cushing’s disease, I’m unsure where I’d even fall on this “hierarchy.” I am ambulatory but use a cane or a wheelchair at times. Sometimes my disease is so debilitating that I spend weeks in bed and can’t work due to extreme pain. But other times, I’m able to function and can recoup after a break.

I don’t know who created the graphic, but they probably don’t have a disability.

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Discussing vulnerability

The part of the graphic I agree with is that there are people who are more vulnerable than I am — people whose illnesses affect them more than Cushing’s affects me; people who are nonambulatory; and people who need full-time support. As someone who strives to be a disability advocate, I believe my job is to find ways to bolster and support these people.

I’ve shared before that I’m not sure how I fit into the disability community. Is it wrong for me to claim the label “disabled” when my abilities are constantly changing due to my illness?

I’ve concluded that disability is a wide label, and in claiming it, I’m not taking a seat from someone else at an imaginary table. That said, I do have certain privileges.

Recognizing privilege

For example, if I’m in my wheelchair and a building has no ramp, I can usually climb a few stairs to enter. Or, if I’m using my cane somewhere muddy or slippery, I can usually balance myself enough to move past it. Without these aids, people can’t always tell that I’m disabled. I have many scars from Cushing’s disease, but most are hidden under my clothes.

Others may be nonambulatory or have more visible disabilities, and unfortunately, we live in an ableist society. I’ve experienced ableism while using my mobility aids, but I’m sure there are others who deal with it more frequently.

I even have privileges because of my marriage. I’m on my partner’s healthcare plan, which covers almost everything I need besides medications. I’ve faced financial burdens due to my illness, but overall, I’m in a privileged position.

Many argue that the disability community doesn’t have marriage equality because some individuals receiving government benefits may face penalties — meaning they lose some or all of these benefits — if they get married. I haven’t experienced this issue, but I will fight for those who do. Everyone deserves marriage equality.

Overall, the conversation about a “hierarchy of disability” has been interesting, and I’ve spent a long time watching videos on the topic. It’s easy to feel defensive about your illness, especially if you had to fight hard for a diagnosis. It can be hard to come to terms with the idea of being both oppressed and privileged at the same time.

I don’t think I have to fit myself into some antiquated pyramid, but I’m dedicated to taking care of anyone who needs support, regardless of their “level” of disability. I owe so much to this community; they’ve saved me time and time again. I will do everything in my power to defend them.

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.