Unlearning ableism — with Charlotte Puiseux

A conversation with a researcher and activist about disability inclusion

Charlotte Puiseux PhD, is a psychologist, philosopher and activist with the French collective Les Dévalideuses. When I came across her work on feminism and anti-ableism, I had to speak with her.

I discussed civil rights struggles with Charlotte, crip culture and intersectionality — especially the links between racism and disability, as well as capitalism and ableism.

I enjoyed speaking to someone who isn’t a web specialist for once. Charlotte shared valuable insights into her experience using digital tools as a disabled person. While most of the people I interview are disabled, their view of digital accessibility is often shaped — even skewed — by their technical expertise.

Charlotte opened up about her discomfort with digital tools, to the point of questioning her place in digital public spaces. Beyond technical barriers, she spoke about her need to feel safe in what can be a hostile environment — including activist spaces.

We also talked about the need for a shift in mindset. What if we started designing from the needs of those most excluded, instead of creating for non-disabled people first and then trying to adapt?