The American Medical Association (AMA) has recognized the need to address racial justice and health equity issues within the organization and in the medical field. As part of their efforts, the AMA has developed a strategic plan that includes “Theories of Change” and “Levers for Change” to guide their work. However, one area that the AMA has yet to incorporate into its framework entirely is disability justice. This essay will offer recommendations on incorporating disability justice in the AMA’s framework, using their “Theories of Change” and “Levers for Change” as a guide.
To center disability justice in the AMA’s health equity framework, the AMA must acknowledge and address how their past actions and policies have excluded and marginalized individuals with disabilities. One of the AMA’s “Theories of Change” is to “right the injustices of our past” (AMA, 2021, p. 36). This includes acknowledging the historical mistreatment of individuals with disabilities in medical settings, such as eugenics and forced sterilization. By addressing past injustices, the AMA can ensure inclusivity and value for individuals with disabilities in their efforts toward health equity.
The AMA must challenge and dismantle ableist narratives that marginalize individuals with disabilities. Another of the AMA’s “Theories of Change” is to “counter malignant/dominant narratives pervasive in health” (AMA, 2021, pp. 36-37). One example of a malignant narrative is that individuals with disabilities are inherently less valuable or capable than non-disabled individuals. This narrative is harmful because it justifies discrimination and exclusion and must be actively dismantled to promote proper health equity for individuals with disabilities.
Building and nurturing relationships and partnerships with disability-led organizations and advocates are essential. One of the AMA’s “Levers for Change” is “relationships, partnerships, and network” (AMA, 2021, p. 42). This includes listening to and valuing the perspectives and experiences of individuals with disabilities and actively incorporating their perspectives into the AMA’s work toward health equity. By building authentic and transformative relationships, the AMA can ensure that the voices and experiences of individuals with disabilities are represented and prioritized in their efforts.
The AMA needs to ensure that education and training on disability justice are included and integrated into all levels of medical education and ongoing training. Another of the AMA’s “Levers for Change” is “education, training, and tools” (AMA, 2021, p. 43). This includes educating future and current healthcare providers on the social model of disability and how to provide inclusive and accessible care for individuals with disabilities. The AMA should provide internal training and education for staff on disability justice and inclusive practices to ensure inclusivity and equity for individuals with disabilities.
The AMA’s plan to address racial justice and health equity must include disability justice to achieve accurate equity. Recommendations have been given on how the AMA can address past exclusions of individuals with disabilities and actively challenge ableism. These include building relationships with disability-led organizations and advocates, integrating disability justice education and training, and recognizing the intersectionality of different identities and experiences in shaping health equity.
Reference
American Medical Association. (2021). Organizational Strategic Plan to Embed Racial Justice and Advance Health Equity 2021-2023 [PDF document]. Retrieved from. Web.