Many of us grew up hearing the phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." The saying, which dates back to the 1800s, was primarily taught to children as a means to defend and respond to inevitable verbal attacks. Fast forward to today, we know two things: 1) Broken bones tend to heal, and 2) words do hurt, diminish, and often influence how certain individuals or groups are perceived.Valois J. Vera, Disabled Poet, Author, and Cultural Worker, shares his vast experience and knowledge on the impact of language; specifically, how language can stamp stigmas and stereotypes on both the individual self as well as the global community of Disabled people.How does language reflect and promote views of ableism? How has the vocabulary of disability evolved? How does language impact access? These primary questions are explored through the vehicles of poetry, personal anecdotes, and professional experiences.
Valois J. Vera is an award winning Poet, Author, and Cultural Worker based out of so-called Denton, TX. His work in uplifting and amplifying Disabled culture and community, serving on several prominent boards and commissions, and facilitating workshops, roundtable discussions, and has served as guest lecturer at a variety of colleges and universities. While his journalism work can be found in New Mobility Magazine, Latino Rebels, and Rooted in Rights, his poetry published by Spoonie Press, Mollyhouse, and American Graveyard: Calls to end Gun Violence, Vol.I, and other collections. He is Founder of Thunder and Lightning Poetry Collective, to amplifying and uplifting Disabled BIPOC and Disabled Queer Poets. His impact as a Disabled artivist garnered him the 2023 Art Spark Texas Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award and the 2024 AAPD Paul G Hearne Emerging Leader Award. Valois is a former competitive sailor, youth softball coach, and finalist in the Noble Elementary 3rd grade spelling bee. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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