Anti-Ableist Makers Society
hosted by Understanding Ableism
A learning community for makers and creatives seeking a space that questions mainstream crafting culture and embraces diverse ways of creating.
We believe that everyone should be able to create in the ways that work best for them - free from self-doubt, judgment, or unsolicited advice.
We connect through thoughtful discussion facilitated in accessible and inclusive ways.
Hi! I’m Rebecca, multidisciplinary maker and founder of the Anti-Ableist Makers Society.
I’m also neurodivergent and disabled. I created the Anti-Ableist Makers Society because I couldn’t find any crafting groups that were accessible and inclusive for people like me.
Over and over, I would join a mainstream group with high hopes, then withdraw because the space wasn’t accessible or just didn't feel good.
Crafting spaces are a microcosm of society. As such, they reflect ableist culture. It’s hard to share your creative endeavors and authentic self in groups that don’t consider your needs and aren’t willing to change - even when you speak up for yourself.
If you want to explore the ways that ableist culture influences our creative practices or just want to find an inclusive community where you can share your authentic creative self, sign up below.
If you have questions about how it all works, keep reading for more information.
What to know
Who can join: anyone interested in exploring the intersection of creativity, ableism, and inclusion.
Where we meet: online via Zoom.
What happens at meetings: for the first 30 minutes we discuss a topic related to creativity, inclusion, maker spaces. The second 30 minutes is hanging out, chatting, sharing anything we’re working on. You can join at any point during the meeting (there’s no such thing as late at our meetings!).
How often: there are two meetings per month, at different times for greater inclusion (same topic, though discussions always vary). You can attend either, both, or neither each month. Meetings are one hour long, currently held on Thursdays at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm Central time.
How to join: Enter your email in one of the “Join Us!” boxes on this page.
Cost: free!
What People Are Saying
-
I really liked the topics presented at the meetings I was able to attend! As a currently abled person, it was really great education for me, not just the actual content, but also observing how the meetings were run, and how it was an embodiment of anti-ableist practices. <3
— Society member
-
I have enjoyed the AAMS meetings so much. I have learned a lot about how internalised ableism is informing my thoughts and creativity. Unpacking these has led me to have more peace and abundant creativity.
— Helena Spears (IG: @helena_spears_art)
-
I love that we talk about important subjects that everyone should talk about, but are rarely discussed. I always learn things and also how other people are feeling about these topics. I also love how open minded everyone is. This group truly has been a blessing for me since the beginning!
— Lolie (IG: @lolieya)
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out via email anytime. AAMS@UnderstandingAbleism.com
If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and sign up in one of the “Join Us!” boxes on this page. You will receive a welcome email soon.
-
Anyone who identifies as creative! Many of our members engage in creative activities like garment sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery, drawing, painting, ceramics, jewelry making, coloring, journaling, and making zines.
-
AAMS is for everyone. Many of our members are disabled, neurodivergent, or both, which means we do center their experience. It’s a great opportunity to learn about crafting and creativity through diverse perspectives. Since we all create within ableist society, topics are relevant to everyone - disabled or nondisabled, neurodivergent or neurotypical.
-
Most topics relate to one’s creative practice and how that connects to ableism. Sometimes we discuss practical topics in accessibility or inclusion. Past topics include
ableist language
adapting your practice to your needs
impact of ableism and capitalism on creativity
how to write image descriptions
personal crafting cycles
is crafting our therapy?
-
We’re a cozy group, currently ten or fewer per meeting.
-
Absolutely! There are no expectations for attendance (or participation). Many of our members live with chronic illness or disability, so intermittent attendance is quite common.
-
It depends on how you want to engage with the content. Some people prefer to read the emails and think about the topics on their own. Others watch the meeting recordings. For others, participating in the meetings is the best way to engage with the content. It’s up to you! I also check in with the group for feedback on our meeting days and times.
-
Below are the actions I currently take. If you have accessibility questions or concerns, please let me know!
Open meeting room 10 minutes early
Enable closed captions and live transcript
Use raise hand feature for discussion
Read the chat aloud
Describe images on screen
No expectations of camera on/off
No expectations of participation
Admit participants at any time during the meeting hour
Record and share the daytime session
-
Not a problem at all! We are a community of learners, all with different levels of knowledge and experience.
The most important thing is to keep an open mind as we explore these topics, recognize varying experiences with privilege and exclusion, and work to change our ableist thinking.
-
Please reach out by sending me an email. I’m happy to answer any questions you have!