Performing Arts Empower Over 500 Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in DMV

Disability is increasingly being understood through a social rather than medical lens, emphasizing the removal of societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. In Ghana, despite progressive policies aiming for inclusive education, children with disabilities often still face exclusion due to inconsistent implementation and lack of accommodations. Intimacy and relationships after acquiring a disability are emerging topics, highlighting the need for open conversations and better support systems that recognize the evolving nature of disability and its impact on identity and well-being. Media representation remains problematic, as seen in the coverage of Pennsylvania politician John Fetterman, where disability is often framed with ableist assumptions that question capability and personhood. Meanwhile, organizations like ArtStream in the U.S. are creating inclusive spaces for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage in the arts, fostering community, personal growth, and empowerment. These diverse perspectives underscore the ongoing cultural shift toward recognizing disability as an aspect of human diversity requiring societal adaptation and respect.