Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Isabella Cueto
Published on 2024-03-08 09:30:14
Sonya Rio-Glick was born prematurely alongside her twin in 1997, three months and six days early. Both twins had health complications, with Sonya being diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 2. Despite this, she resists the label of disease when referring to her condition, emphasizing that her body is not diseased, but uniquely different.
Throughout her life, Sonya has faced challenges of being othered by society due to her disability. However, she has learned to push back against ableism and express her experiences through various forms of art, including film, dance, and theater. In high school, she created a documentary titled “The Souls of Our Feet” to raise awareness about disability issues and promote inclusivity.
During her time at an all-girls high school in Albany, Sonya became involved in activism, leading her to intern at Phamaly Theatre Company in Denver, the first fully disabled professional theater company in the nation. This experience exposed her to a supportive disabled community and led her to embrace her disability more openly.
For her undergraduate thesis, Sonya choreographed dance pieces reflecting her experiences as a disabled person, highlighting challenges such as lack of accessibility in her college dorm. This project eventually led her to become the executive director of a dance organization and pursue a career as a professional dancer in various cities.
Art has been Sonya’s platform for storytelling and empowerment, allowing her to share her journey of self-discovery and advocacy. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in global development practice at Harvard Extension School, she aims to address systemic issues affecting disabled individuals through a global lens.
In an interview with STAT, Sonya discussed her upbringing, experiences in the arts, and the importance of disability advocacy. She recalled pivotal moments in her life, such as meeting a queer, disabled adult who challenged societal perceptions of disability and empowered her to embrace her identity.
Reflecting on her experiences in an all-girls school where she felt isolated and dehumanized, Sonya shared a transformative moment at a college party where a friend went out of her way to accommodate her needs, providing a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Sonya also discussed her resistance to the term “disease” in reference to cerebral palsy, emphasizing that it is a permanent disability, not a temporary ailment. She recounted her journey through orthopedic surgeries and the societal pressure to undergo medical interventions to “fix” her disability.
As she navigates adulthood, Sonya continues to advocate for disability rights and challenge stereotypes through her art and activism. She no longer feels the need to apologize for taking up space or expressing her true self, embracing her identity as a disabled individual.
Overall, Sonya’s story is a testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and advocacy, inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness and advocate for a more inclusive society. Through her art and activism, she strives to make a positive impact on the lives of disabled individuals globally.
