Accessibility and Disability for Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse People

Indigenous people are more susceptible to living with a disability because of the current social and political atmosphere and the impact colonization has had and continues to have on Indigenous communities. [...] The social, political, and economic marginalization of Indigenous women today limits their access to necessary and appropriate supports and services that reduce the impacts of accessibility barriers5. [...] Colonization is largely responsible for the overthrowing of Indigenous forms of governance and self-determination such as the dissolution of Indigenous matriarchies and the traditional positions of persons with disabilities in communities. [...] The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 6.1 states “parties recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discriminations, and in this regard, shall take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms”10. [...] United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 6.2 states “parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the full development, advancement and empowerment of women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them in exercise and enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the present Convention”11.